The Washington Parish School Board held its most recent meeting on Thursday, January 12, 2023, in the Media Center meeting room at the board office. The first item on the agenda was board members taking the oath of office administered by Judge William "Billy" Burris.
This was followed by the elections of board officers conducted by board attorney Wayne Kuhn. President of the Board John Wyble was elected to another term as was Vice-President Lesley McKinley. The next item was the adoption of a resolution declaring January as School Board Recognition Month. Superintendent Frances Varnado presented each board member with a certificate of their years of service as of the 2022 school year as well as a certificate of hours earned in continuous learning. These were Dr. John Wyble, 12 years of service and 22 hours of continuing learning units; Rev. Bruce Brown with 28 years of service and 7 hours of learning units; Kendall McKenzie with 4 years of service and one hour of learning units; Robert Boone with 8 years of service and 9 hours of learning units; former board member Dewitt Perry with 16 years of service and 9.25 hours of leaning units; former board member Alan McCain with 16 years of service and 20.75 hours of learning units; Frankie Crosby with 4 years of service and 21 hours of learning units; and Lesley McKinley with 12 years of service and 20.75 hours of continuing learning units. Mrs. Varnado thanked each board member for their tireless service to the Washington Parish School Board.
Next the board adopted the LSBA Code of Conduct for Louisiana School Board Members.
The meeting then moved to recognizing students from district high schools (see related photos and information) by Dr. Latricia Warren, Ms. Ramona Thomas, and Coach Shane Smith. This was followed by the recognition of Mrs. Dana Knight and the business department for receiving a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Another recognition was Ms. Leslie Hodges who is the Coordinator of Early Childhood Education which includes not only PK4 but also Birth to Three Seats. Board President Wyble also explained that last year he and Ms. Hodges were able to work together to obtain an additional one million dollars in funding to support childcare in Washington Parish. Only five districts in the state received that money, and it was largely due to Ms. Hodges leadership and hard work. The nights final recognitions were paraprofessionals who are participating in the Reach Para-to-Teacher Certification Program by Director of Student Support Services Tricia Smith. Mrs. Smith explained to the board that through Reach University, paraprofessionals can study to become certified special education and regular education teachers and the cost is only $75 per month. After recognizing participants who were present, Mrs. Smith surprised them by announcing that for each who successfully complete the spring and summer semesters, their cost will be reimbursed; a total of $525. If all goes as planned, at the end of their studies in three to four years the district will have 23 newly certified teachers which will be a great asset as there is currently a nationwide teacher shortage.
In other business, Director of Technology Jimmy Thigpen asked the board to take appropriate action regarding bids received for telecommunication services and equipment for e-rate. Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Thomas asked for the board to approve personnel adjustments, and transportation adjustments sought by Maintenance and Transportation Supervisor Steve Knight were also approved.
Following the Superintendent's brief report, Coach Shane Smith was called on to introduce Franklinton High School's new head football coach Nic Saltafamaggio. He is pleased to join the staff at FHS and humbly thanked the Board for hiring him and its support. The meeting ended with each incumbent congratulating the newest members of the school board, and expressing their pride in the students and teachers who were recognized for their hard work and dedication.
