The Washington Parish School Board held its July meeting on Thursday, July 11. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance the board began working through the agenda.
Director of the Business Office Dana Knight was on hand to answer any questions concerning the May 2024 financial statements presented to the board at the Monday night committee meeting. Mrs. Knight explained that according to the sales tax audit in 2023, the district received a one-time sales tax payment. In comparison with 2024, it appeared sales taxes were down; however, this is not the case. Next, the board voted to change the pay cycle of 9-month Food Service employees to August through July. Currently the pay cycle is September to May. It was also pointed out that the food service employees were the only ones on a 9-month pay scale. The board also voted to amend the 2024-2025 salary schedule. Mrs. Knight explained that because of instances of additional compensation, activities, and payment for planning when a planning period is not given called for the amendment. The salary schedule will now reflect such events of additional pay.
Next on the agenda was a public comment period. Mrs. Knight explained that last year’s legislative auditor noted that a time of public participation was needed prior to the adoption of adjusted millage rates. In an abundance of caution the item was added to the agenda. Then, a roll call vote of all “yes” votes by the board led to the adoption of the adjusted millage rates.
Moving along, the board voted to accept a Request for Proposal regarding garbage disposal services from Stranco for $82,247.88. It was noted that Stranco submitted a higher amount than AmWaste; however, based on past service with AmWaste and concerns expressed, the board voted for the higher proposal from Stranco. Attorney Wayne Kuhn explained that this was acceptable as it was not a bid but a proposal that the board voted on. The board then adopted a resolution to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with Pine Basketball Association. This was tabled at the June meeting and was submitted with changes. The district owns the gym in Pine and is responsible for its care. However, property insurance has been dropped because of the excessive amount of the premium. The district does not use the facility, but it is still covered by liability insurance and the organization also carries liability insurance. The agreement with Pine Basketball Association is for ten years and if sold the agreement is negated. Along similar lines, the board then voted to adopt Student Accident Insurance coverage for the 2024/2025 school year from Bolinger at a cost of $31,472 per year and an additional catastrophic policy at a cost of $3,011.
The agenda then called for the board to discuss and take appropriate action regarding Independent Accountant's Report on Applying Agreed upon Procedures-Mt. Hermon School Minda B. Raybourn, CPA, LLC; however, Mrs. Knight informed the board that no action was required. Mrs. Knight then asked the board to authorize bids for the sale of surplus equipment. This concerns two 2008 Chevy Impalas that have been declared as surplus. There is no minimum bid requirement and board member Bruce Brown clarified that “whatever we can get” will be accepted. Next, the board adopted a Resolution authorizing the sale of lots 2,3,4,5,6, & 7 & east 1/2 lot 8 block 354, Town of Franklinton, Washington Parish, Louisiana. Board member Frankie Crosby provided that the address of this property was at 20th and Lenora Street. The resolution also provided for the President of the board to sign the deed.
The remainder of the meeting consisted of adopting the 2024/2025 Device Agreement; adopting revised Washington Parish Policy File number from: JGCF-Behavioral Health Services for Students to JGCFA-Behavioral Health Services for Students; and adopting a new Washington Parish School Board Policy File: JGCF-Behavioral Health Support for Students. An added item to the agenda was the approval of engaging Eisner Amper LLC to conduct the 2023-2024 school year.
The Personnel Report was adopted as well. Items of note was the retirement of Pine School bus operator Terry Jenkins, changes of employment for Leslie Westmoreland from Section 504 Coordinator to Section 504/ESL Coordinator; Candace Stewart from Coordinator for Instructional Technology to Specialist in Instructional Technology; and Stacy Payne from Coordinator for Special Education to Supervisor for Special Education. The Personnel Report also noted contract renewals for Central Office staff members Cherie Fitzmorris, Math Coordinator; Jennifer McElveen, Math Academic Coach; and Katie Miller, Testing and Accountability Coordinator. Also of note was the contract renewal for Denise Gilmore, Assistant Principal at Franklinton Elementary.
Superintendent Jennifer Thomas presented the Superintendent’s Report. She was pleased to share that nine of the ten parish schools received a safety school grant of $50,000 per each school. These funds may be used for cameras, safety doors, establishing a secure entrance, fencing, or any safety aspect the school may need. The single school that did not receive the grant will be placed in the pool for the next grant cycle. Mrs. Thomas also announced that prep days are set for all junior high and high schools and Meet the Teacher night for elementary and primary grades will be August 6. The renovation to Franklinton Junior High School is complete except for the installation of doors arriving in mid-August. Mrs. Thomas noted that maintenance has been very busy at the schools this summer and teachers will report on August 1 and students on August 7. By the next monthly board meeting, school will have opened for the 2024-25 year.
Board President Lesley McKinley ended the meeting with his goal for the next year is for the school district to come together and work together. The Board has worked hard to tick off items including the anticipated employee pay raise, and the final item to accomplish is the passing of a proposed sales tax in December to further fund teacher pay. He ended with a heartfelt “enjoy the rest of the summer.” The next scheduled Board meeting is August 15, 2024, and school will have been in session for nearly two weeks.
