The Webster Parish School Board met Monday, September 8, at the school board offices with all members present and approved all items on the agenda unanimously.
During the meeting, Webster Parish Police Jury President Jim Bonsall addressed the board about a proposed solar power farm on 320 acres. The company behind the project is requesting tax exemption through the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program. Bonsall told the board the 40-year project could generate as much as $300,000 annually for the school district in its early years, but revenue would likely decrease rapidly, possibly dropping to $7,000–$8,000 per year after 10 years due to depreciation. The facility would not use local roads or schools once construction is complete, and it would not employ parish residents beyond the six- to 12-month construction period. The board did not take action but will notify Bonsall of its position before the Police Jury meets October 7.
The board also approved the FY 2025-26 operating budgets. Finance Director Crevonne Odom said the district expects to “break even” if the budget holds, leaving about $3 million in reserves. A revised travel policy was adopted, raising the state mileage reimbursement rate to 70 cents per mile beginning September 1, 2025.
Other approvals included:
- Advertising an E-Rate request for proposals for Wide Area Network, internet access and related services.
- Travel for staff members to attend the 4th Annual Emerging Drug Trends Conference in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 6–7, 2025.
- A Minden High School theater group trip to Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Ark., on Sept. 26, 2025.
- Policy revisions related to instructional materials, student absences, bullying and hazing, expulsions and child abuse.
Maintenance fund expenditures were also discussed. The number and durability of Chromebooks in use drew questions, with Assistant IT Coordinator Ty Cook explaining that about 60 percent of the district’s devices will reach their automatic update policy expiration in 2029, and the remainder by 2031.
Employee and student recognitions were also held. Vickie Ramie, a third-grade math teacher at Central Elementary, was named Employee of the Month for September. Easton Jeter, a fourth-grade student at Doyline High School, was honored for earning a perfect score on the third-grade math LEAP exam. Levi Arender, a ninth-grade student at Lakeside Junior/Senior High, was recognized for earning a perfect score on the eighth-grade social studies LEAP exam. These accomplishments will be featured in future Minden Press-Herald articles.
In his superintendent’s report, Johnny Rowland said a school bus was rear-ended by a car in Shongaloo earlier in the day, but all passengers were checked by medical personnel and in “good shape.” Rowland also congratulated board member Debbie Thomas for completing a sidewalk project at Brown Upper Elementary School before the start of the school year. “She did this all herself, no matter what others might have said.”
The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for October 13 and will be open to the public.