The Washington Parish School Board held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, October 12. Following the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the board recognized two groups of students from Franklinton High School and Franklinton Jr. High School.
Franklinton High School's FFA was on hand with teacher advisor Vincent Bahm to tell of the chapter's many accomplishments in programs and competitions in the past year.
Franklinton Junior High School's Fellowship of Christian Students 12 officers were lauded by Principal Misty Polk and sponsors Debra Byrd and Lacey Pierce. The FCS at FJHS holds weekly Wednesday morning meetings and sponsored the recent Prayer at the Pole. Mrs. Polk is very proud of their leadership and willingness to share their faith among the students at FJHS.
Following student recognition, the board voted to approve the minutes for the August 31 Special Board Meeting, the September 5 Special Board Meeting, and the September 7 Regular Board Meeting.
Next was a presentation of Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Superintendent Frances Varnado presented Director of the Business Office Dana Knight and Payroll Manager Missy Seal with this award. Included also was Chief Accountant and Operations Manager Jamie Painter who was unable to attend the meeting. The award recognizes the finance department for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2022. The district report met the criteria established for Association of School Business Organizations International's Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting.
Mrs. Dana Knight then was available for questions for the presentation of an independent accountant's report on agreed-upon procedures for Varnado High School for the period July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The board received the complete report at Monday's committee meeting that Ms. Minda Rayburn completed. Mrs. Knight explained that this is a regular procedure when there is a change in principals. Mrs. Knight remained at the podium to answer any questions concerning the August 2023 financial statements that were also presented at the Monday night committee meeting. The board had no questions.
The board then approved the adoption of written payroll procedures. These go hand in hand with payroll procedures already in place and gives the public an overview of processes. Board President John Wyble reiterated that this has nothing to do with money and/or salaries but procedures only.
Similarly, the board approved the adoption of written budget planning, preparation, and adoption procedures. This too has nothing to do with actual money but is guidelines put in writing that pertains to budget adoptions and the processes followed by the financial staff. The board also adopted the naming of Hancock Whitney Bank as the fiscal agent for the period of November 1, 2023 through October 31, 2024. The final item presented by Mrs. Knight was the approval of financing for four Thomas Built C2 71 passenger buses. The purchasing of the buses was approved 18 months ago. However, the new buses have just arrived, and the board needed to approve the payment for the buses. Mrs. Knight recommended a 10-year amortization at 6.69 percent interest. The total cost of the buses is $399,000. The budget has already allowed for the payment plan on the new buses.
In other business the board voted to adopt the revised 2023-2024 school calendar. The revision adds January 3, 2024, as an additional day for the Christmas break for employees. There was to be a professional development on that date; however, the professional development was completed on August 29, 2023. All employees are now set to return to work on January 4, 2024. The board also voted to adopt the schedule of School Board meetings for 2024.
Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Thomas was on-hand to answer any questions the board might have about the personnel report presented to them on Monday, October 9 during the committee meeting. There were none. Of note, Amanda Hall was named the assistant principal at Franklinton High School; Barrett Bateman was named the assistant principal at Enon Elementary, and Kim Jones was named the assistant principal at Thomas Elementary School.
Frances Varnado's Superintendent's Report was brief. She shared that Franklinton High School and Varnado High School would be celebrating homecoming on Friday, October 13 and she encouraged folks to participate in these activities. She also noted that the stipend recently approved by the board will be dispersed to employees on November 10. Finally, Mrs. Varnado reminded everyone of the great student involvement at the Washington Parish Free Fair and invited everyone to go support these students.
During personal privileges the board thanked everyone who is involved with educating the children of Washington Parish. Robert Boone expressed it best that the board has recently experienced a crisis, but he feels the system is moving forward in a positive direction. Scott Breland reminded everyone that this has been National School Lunch week and thanked all those who help feed the children at the ten schools. He also noted that board members need to be cautious in the statements they make on their personal time as this is often misconstrued as board policy. Lesley McKinley agreed and reminded everyone that misinterpretation of facts is dangerous.
President John Wyble ended the meeting with a thanks to all employees because it takes all to provide a quality educational experience. He also noted the passing of Dr. Jerry Thomas and the recent ribbon cutting for the Thomas Early Learning Center. Dr. Thomas was an integral part of this project as was Senator Beth Mizell and Representative Melinda White. Dr. Wyble noted that this facility is an incredible resource for the Thomas community. With well-wishes for a fun-filled fair, the meeting was adjourned.
Showing the award received for Excellence in Financial Reporting are, left to right, Missy Seal, Dana Knight, and Washington Parish Superintendent of Schools Frances Varnado.
