The Webster Parish School Board voted Monday to call a special election in Consolidated School District No. 3 to authorize the rededication of an existing special tax, expanding how funds may be used within the district.
The election is scheduled for June 27, 2026. Board members approved the measure unanimously during their regular meeting held on March 2 at the Educational Services Center, 1442 Sheppard St., Minden. All agenda items were approved unanimously.
“This is not a new tax. This is simply a rededication for what the tax can be used for,” said Grant Schlueter of Foley and Judell LLP. “This will expand what the money can be used for in this district.”
Currently, proceeds from the tax may only be used for capital expenses. If approved by voters, the rededication would allow the funds to be used for operating costs, maintenance costs, school resource officer pay, or utility costs within Consolidated School District No. 3.
“The funds must be used in this district,” Schlueter said. “This brings us in line with other school districts.”
In other business, the board accepted a donation of approximately 0.41 acres from David Peterson. The property, located at 504 College St. in Minden, is directly across from the Minden High School Industrial Arts Department and is currently an empty lot. It will be used for additional parking. Board members expressed appreciation for the donation.
The board also approved several student travel requests, including:
- Selected fifth graders from E.S. Richardson Elementary School to travel by charter bus to the NASA Space Center in Houston on May 7-8. Costs will be covered by students and a World’s Finest Chocolate fundraiser.
- Twelve to 15 Minden High School Nature Club students to visit the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas, on April 16. Funding will come from Nature Club funds.
- North Webster High School 10th grade students to tour Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas, on April 1. Bus funding will be provided through Title I.
- Seventy to 80 North Webster High School students to attend the Educational Days Program at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington on May 1. The one-day trip will be funded through Title I.
Yeager, Watson & Associates, LLC was granted permission to advertise for bids for “Job #2025-14 Additions & Alterations to Griffith Park, Minden, Louisiana.”
During the meeting, Kevin Thompson of Taylor and Sons recognized Brennan Glen, custodian at North Webster Upper Elementary, as Employee of the Month for March. Details of her nomination will appear in a future article.
In the superintendent’s report, it was announced that a team of Webster athletes will participate in the GUMBO (Games Uniting Mind and Body Organization) games at Captain Shreve High School on March 27 in Shreveport.
Superintendent Johnny Rowland also announced that special education supervisor Melanie Lewing will retire at the end of the school year. Jill Hunter, currently IEP coordinator, will assume the position.
Board members Charles Strong, District 3, and Linda Kinsey, District 7, were absent. Jonathan Guthrie attended remotely.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 14. The public is welcome to attend.