The Webster Parish School Board celebrated student achievement, highlighted the success of recent back-to-school initiatives, and approved a full slate of agenda items during its regular meeting Monday evening.
All board members were present for the meeting at the Educational Services Center in Minden. Every item on the agenda was approved unanimously.
The meeting opened with recognition of students who earned the highest possible scores on their LEAP assessments, an accomplishment district leaders described as a testament to academic excellence and hard work.
“These are the most exciting times when we can honor and recognize our students who have earned this achievement,” said 3rd-5th Grade Supervisor Oreata Banks.
Superintendent Johnny Rowland congratulated the students and their families.
“We are so proud of you,” Rowland said.
Students recognized were Connor Webb, J.L. Jones, third-grade math; Diesel Beene, Webster Junior High, seventh-grade English language arts; Elizabeth Holland, Webster Junior High, eighth-grade English language arts; Kennedy Dillard, Central Elementary, third-grade English language arts; Cooper Branch, Central Elementary, fourth-grade social studies; Sophia Perez, Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School, seventh-grade English language arts; Cannan Estes, Doyline High School, ninth-grade Algebra I and Civics; Grace Wyatt, Minden High School, 10th-grade English II; and Matthew McFarland, Doyline High School, ninth-grade Civics.
The board also recognized Minden High School junior Jaleah Richardson for being selected to represent Louisiana, with all expenses paid, at the Hugh O’Brian Youth World Leadership Congress in Washington, D.C.
Richardson, who returned from the conference Saturday, said the experience changed her perspective on leadership.
“I feel like it was a life-changing type of thing,” Richardson said. “We learned that leadership isn’t about being the first one to speak or being the loudest. Leadership is about sitting back and being a listening ear. I think it’s important for youth to learn about these things.”
In other business, the board approved the district’s 2026-27 travel policy, Parent and Family Engagement Policy, and Homeless Policies and Procedures.
While discussing services for homeless students, Banks said the district identified and served 81 homeless students during the previous school year after serving approximately 93 the year before.
“That’s ‘identified’ because there are always going to be some who have not been identified,” Banks said. “We’ve already had about three turned in this year, and the school year hasn’t even started.”
She said the district assists eligible students with items such as uniforms, school supplies, hygiene kits, and field trips.
The board also approved a resolution calling for a special election in Consolidated School District No. 3 regarding the rededication of an existing special tax.
Rowland emphasized that the proposal would not shift revenue outside the district.
“Those funds have to stay in Consolidated District #3,” he said.
Board members approved maintenance fund expenditures in a single vote before hearing the monthly personnel report.
Personnel Director Dr. Becky Wilson said the district continues recruiting for two teaching positions at Webster Junior High School: seventh-grade English language arts and eighth-grade math.
Wilson also announced the district will host seven college students completing their teaching residencies this school year at Phillips Elementary, Central Elementary, Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School, and Minden High School.
“We’re really excited about this,” Wilson said.
During the School Community Liaison report, delivered by Rowland, the superintendent praised the success of Sunday’s Back-to-School Bash in Minden and Springhill, which drew hundreds of families.
“This has kind of been a night where we’re celebrating good things in Webster Parish,” Rowland said. “I think this event encapsulates everything that is right about what we’re doing.”
He also credited former Assistant Superintendent Kevin Washington with launching the event and spoke about the spirit of generosity displayed by volunteers, sponsors, and community members.
In his superintendent’s report, Rowland said the nonprofit 22 Hands Up will be provided with transportation for the Webster Parish students attending a college day at Grambling this Saturday, with the organization covering all associated costs of the bus travel. He also announced that bottled water will be available on school buses when classes begin Friday, August 7.
Before the meeting concluded, Rowland shared an update on the long-awaited Minden High School field house, saying he expects the district to receive at least temporary occupancy this week.
“I know it’s been six years, but I am telling you it is some kind of facility,” Rowland said. “It is truly something to be proud of. I can’t think of another school system at a 4A school that’s going to have anything like that. It’s incredible.”
The board entered executive session at 6:40 PM to discuss litigation involving a bus accident. The board reconvened at 6:54 PM and voted to accept the staff’s recommendation in the matter.
The next regular meeting of the Webster Parish School Board is scheduled for Monday, September 14. The public is welcome to attend.