The Washington Parish School Board held its March meeting on Thursday, March 15 at the Washington Parish School Board Office.
The meeting began with the recognition of student groups from all four high schools in the parish. Following the students was the approval of the minutes from the February 9, 2023, meeting. Director of Finance Dana Knight was on hand to answer any questions concerning the January 2023 financial statements presented to the board during committee meetings earlier in the week. There were none.
The board then recognized Ms. Carmel Breaux of Norris Insurance Consultants. Ms. Breaux made the recommendation that that the board approve an insurance policy with $15 million for wind damage and $50 million in other incidences at a cost of $738,721. However, Ms. Breaux and her associates will continue to look for better prices and will not issue the insurance order until March 31, 2023. Therefore, the board approved the purchase of the insurance contingent upon additional information from Norris Consultants.
From there the board approved personnel adjustments sought by Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Thomas and transportation adjustments sought by Supervisor of Maintenance and Transportation Steve Knight. One note of interest by the board is the renewal of the contract of Director of Federal Programs Aylene Crain.
Superintendent Frances Varnado gave a brief report. Washington Early Childhood Network is hosting its annual enrollment round-up April 3, 2023 through April 6, 2023.
This includes Universal Pre-K for all eligible parish residents (including meals and transportation), Head Start and Early Head Start, and High Quality Early Childhood Programs (infants to age 4). Locations include Head Start and Early Head Start Centers, Building Blocks Academy, Franklinton Child Enrichment Center, Jacob's Ladder II, Pride and Hope, Children of Promise, and Eager Scholars.
To register a child, parents or guardians are asked to bring two proofs of residence, birth certificate, social security card, immunization record, state issued photo ID (of parent/guardian) and proof of income or SNAP/CCAP cards.
The Washington Parish School System will register for Prekindergarten (must be age four by September 30, 2023). School nurses will conduct free health screenings for new students during registration. Schools include Enon Elementary and Mt. Hermon School on April 3 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; Franklinton Primary School on April 4 and April 5 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; Thomas Elementary School on April 4 and April 5 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; Wesley Ray Elementary School on April 6 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Parents and guardians must bring two proofs of residence, birth certificate of child, social security card, immunization record, and state issued photo ID.
Mrs. Varnado stressed the importance of pre-K as the district's literacy program starts in that grade.
She also mentioned Disability Day at Franklinton High School on March 18 and the production of Beauty and the Beast, The Broadway Musical presented by Pine High School on March 28 - 31 at 6:00 pm at the Franklinton Primary School Auditorium.
Following comments by board members commending the student presentations and congratulating Aylene Crain on her renewed contract, Board President John Wyble praised the fine work being done under the direction of the four high school principals in the district. Wyble also noted that Bogalusa School System board members joined the parish board in a Law Training earlier in the afternoon in a show of unity in directing the two school systems.
