Minden Mayor Nick Cox on Monday issued a proclamation declaring January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month, urging residents to recognize the work of Webster Parish School Board members and their role in shaping public education.
Cox delivered the proclamation during the Webster Parish School Board’s regular meeting at the board office on Sheppard Street, where he cited the importance of public schools and the responsibilities carried by elected board members.
“Whereas the mission of public schools is to meet the diverse educational needs of all children and to empower them to become competent productive contributors to a democratic society in an everchanging world,” Cox said. He also noted that “local school board members are responsible for ensuring the structure that provides a solid foundation for our school system.”
“I encourage all citizens to join me in recognizing the dedication and hard work of local school board members,” Cox said. “Working with them helps to mold an education system that meets the needs of both today’s and tomorrow’s children.”
The proclamation was presented as part of the board’s January 12 meeting. Board members Linda Kinsey of District 7 and Jonathan Guthrie of District 4 were absent. All agenda items were approved unanimously by the members present.
In other action, the board approved a coordinated funding request allowing the Webster Parish Ready Start Early Childhood Network to apply for birth-through-4-year-old seats for the 2026-27 school year.
The board also approved travel for Gwenzetta Bradford, principal at North Webster Junior High School, and two teachers to attend the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Ga., on Feb. 5-6, 2026. The total cost of $5,463 will be paid with Title I funds.
Board members further adopted an ordinance providing for the continued levy of a one-half of 1% sales and use tax in Sales Tax District No. 6, which had been authorized by voters in a special election on Oct. 11, 2025.
Benji Maher of Taylor and Sons recognized Wendy King, Lunchroom Manager at North Webster Upper Elementary School, as the January Employee of the Month recipient. Details of this will appear in a future Minden Press-Herald article.
A series of maintenance fund expenditures for campuses across Webster Parish also received approval, covering a range of facility upkeep and improvement projects.
During the personnel report, Director of Personnel Dr. Rebecca Wilson announced that Reach University will host an informational program for Webster Parish School Board employees next week.
“They are recognizing the fact that we are hiring our graduates,” Wilson said. “They said they were taking notice of this, and it’s very exciting.”
Wilson said seven paraprofessionals have completed the program and moved into teaching positions within the district.
The next regular meeting of the Webster Parish School Board is scheduled for Monday, February 2, and will be open to the public.
