The Washington Parish School Board held a special meeting on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Board President John Wyble called the meeting to order followed by the invocation and pledge.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and take appropriate action regarding the issuance of a one-time, non-recurring stipend of $2000 for certified positions and $1000 for support positions, as appropriated during the 2023 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.
Director of the Business Office Dana Knight explained that the state legislature funded the stipend money. Her office entered all the information, checked it, and the money is ready to release. If approved, employees should see the money in their bank account by Friday, September 8, 2023. She also explained that teaching positions are certificated, even if the teacher is not yet certified according to Louisiana standards. Mrs. Knight also added that the cost to the district beyond the money provided by the state will be around $30,000 that will come from the general fund. Superintendent Frances Varnado asked that it be clarified that she will not be receiving this stipend.
Tori Waldrep had some questions for the board prior to voting. She began by stating that she had been raised by a man who always spoke up for what it right. She asked, “Prior to Friday (Sept. 1), did the board know that the Louisiana Senate passed a raise and that it was passed to the House of Representatives and became a stipend? Also, the Louisiana House passed a bill to pay down the retirement fund debt. Will this save the district money?”
Board President John Wyble explained that in each instance, one chamber and not the other passed these bills, so neither became a law. When a bill fails to pass through both chambers, it goes no further. He added that the only thing that passed both chambers and got to the governor’s desk to be signed is the stipend that the board is acting upon at this meeting.
James Tate then approached the board and stated, “$2000 to teachers and $1000 to support staff…it seems like the language changed.” Mr. Wyble further explained that everything starts with House Bill 1 which is the state budget. Then the total amount the stipend would cost had to be calculated and sent to the Department of Education. This agency then determines how much money the district will be allocated. The Washington Parish School Board received notice in July to expect the stipend money to be deposited in its account around August 28. The final step is the board voting to approve the stipend and authorize the release of the funds, which is why this special meeting was called.
Mr. Tate also stated that he thought the stipend was for everyone to which Mr. Wyble responded that the money is for 95 percent or so of the teachers and support staff. For those employees not covered by MFP money, the matter would be addressed with the next item on the agenda. The issuance of the stipend money was approved unanimously by the board.
The next agenda item was to discuss and take appropriate action regarding issuing a one-time, non-recurring stipend to Pre-Kindergarten personnel. Mrs. Knight explained that some employees are not covered by the allocation, particularly Pre-K teachers and paraprofessionals but that the district found alternative money through the ESSER money (Covid funds). The same formula allowing for $2000 for teachers and $1000 for support staff will be followed. Mr. Wyble further elaborated that the state MFP funds K-12 and Pre-K is not included in this. Therefore, the district had to secure other funding for the teachers and paras to receive the same stipend as everyone else. The board unanimously approved this item.
There being no further business, the special meeting was adjourned.
