The Webster Parish School Board (WPSB) held its regular meeting on November 18 at the school board offices, with all members present and all items approved unanimously.
Kevin Thompson of Taylor and Sons presented the Employee of the Month award to Chequila Frazier, a special education school bus driver. Details of her recognition will be featured in an upcoming article in the Minden Press-Herald.
Representatives from Mechanical Cooling Services, LLC, proposed a home-site technician program for Webster Parish schools. The program would provide a technician available 40 hours per week to handle maintenance, repairs, and energy management. The proposed contract, costing $228,000 annually, would include labor, travel expenses, and discounts on parts. This year, the district has spent $150,000 on labor costs alone.
“The equipment is really technical these days,” said Travis Brown of Mechanical Cooling Services. He emphasized the increasing need for trained HVAC technicians, particularly with new propane-based refrigerants becoming mandatory in January. The board took no action on the proposal but will consider it further.
The board approved several travel requests, including a trip for the Minden High School theater class to Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas, on November 21. Another approval was granted for district staff and parish employees to attend the Innovative School Summit in New York City from February 12-15, 2025, funded by Title I, IV, and V grants. Additionally, the Expanded Horizons program for grades 9-12 was approved for a trip to Washington, D.C., from March 17-21, 2025, with funding provided by Gifted and Talented Allocated State funds and parent contributions.
The board approved updates to the WPSB Personnel Evaluation Manual, aligning it with Bulletin 130 guidelines. Personnel Director Dr. Rebecca Wilson described the new system as the district’s most rigorous evaluation tool to date. A grace period will allow for gradual implementation during the first year.
The Webster Parish Students of the Year were announced. Lakyn Pate of Central Elementary School was selected for 5th grade, Ayauna Roberson of Lakeside Jr/Sr High School for 8th grade, and Peyton Handy of Doyline High School for 12th grade. These students will be formally presented to the board in April after the state competition.
The board approved maintenance and upgrade expenses funded by various maintenance funds, with three items set aside for further review. Proposed school calendars for the next two years will be distributed to employees soon for voting.
Superintendent Johnny Rowland shared preliminary details about improved school performance scores, noting that 13 out of 14 schools showed growth, with the one remaining school maintaining its performance. He highlighted significant gains and celebrated a K-8 progress index score of “A.” Official scores will be released following the press conference on Wednesday.
The next WPSB meeting is scheduled for December 9 at 6 PM at North Webster High School. The public is welcome to attend.