Members of Concerned Citizens of Webster Parish gathered June 18 at the Webster Parish Library to discuss a range of local issues, including public education, local government, taxes, and community involvement.
According to meeting notes provided by the organization, attendees expressed concern that the Webster Parish School Board and Minden City Council regularly hold meetings on the same day, making it difficult for residents to attend both.
As part of its plan of action, the group encouraged members to attend both governing bodies’ meetings each month, bring concerns before the School Board, and participate in the public comment process. Members noted that citizens may request to be placed on the School Board agenda by contacting the board secretary, and that agendas are prepared three days before meetings. The group’s next opportunity to address the School Board will be its July 7 meeting.
The organization also discussed educational initiatives it hopes to pursue, including training for parents on the Individualized Education Program, or IEP, process. According to the meeting notes, members discussed working with Webster Parish Special Education Director Jill Hunter to provide information that would help parents advocate for their children.
Among the concerns raised during the meeting were the closure of J.L. Jones Elementary School, the proposed 1% parishwide sales tax that will appear on the June 27 ballot, and the creation of a new tax entity. Members said they believe the proposal could make Webster Parish one of the highest-taxed parishes in Louisiana if approved.
The group also expressed concerns regarding community engagement by school system leadership, alleging that the superintendent and School Board members do not attend community meetings.
Meeting notes further state that members raised concerns about special education services within the Webster Parish School System, alleging that some parents are not receiving adequate services for their children and that some IEP meetings have been conducted by telephone. The organization also questioned administrator participation in those meetings.
Additional discussion included the death of Christopher Tate at the Minden Police Department, with members referencing the family’s access to jail surveillance video, as well as a claim that 75 students have transferred from Webster Junior High School to Lakeside Junior/Senior High School.
As a potential solution to the issues discussed, the group encouraged citizens to become more involved in local elections and select leaders they believe will best represent Webster Parish residents.
Concerned Citizens of Webster Parish announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, July 2, at 6 PM at the Webster Parish Library in Minden. The organization said the meeting is open to community members interested in discussing local issues and civic engagement.