The November 6 meeting of the Webster Parish School Board focused mainly on financial policies and compliance.
One of the agenda items was to make a change to the Payroll Manager job description. Many years ago, there was a position of Assistant Finance Director that required a higher degree. When that position was simplified to Payroll Manager, the degree requirement was not changed. Finance Director Crevonne Odom requested this change in order to be able to select new employees from a larger pool of candidates, since there are many qualified people who do not have higher degrees. After much discussion of whether or not a degree should be required, the board ultimately voted to change the wording to “associates degree or higher preferred,” and the measure passed with a vote of 10 for and 2 against (Mrs. Broughton of District 8 and Mrs. Kinsey of District 7).
The board also approved the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the 2022-23 school year. This questionnaire is the same questionnaire that the board approves each year for the audit, and its approval was simply a matter of following all the steps of compliance.
Next on the agenda was to make sure that the board could request a special election in order to renew their operating millages as well as the issuance of obligation bonds. This is the same process they must go through every 10 years. At this meeting, they simply had to read the resolution into the minutes so that they will be able to consider the election call during the December 4 meeting. Assuming the election call passes, the special election will be held on April 27, 2024.
As usual, the board also authorized the purchases of equipment and services needed to maintain campuses across the parish using designated maintenance funds. These expenditures will be detailed in a future Minden Press-Herald article.
There will be a special call meeting on November 13 at 6 PM to discuss the upcoming stipend payment as well as to discuss particulars of the deficit.
Employees who have been due an increase in pay dating back from when salaries were unfrozen have now received their back pay and will start getting their new paychecks this month. The ‘69 Sales Tax Supplement will also be issued this month, and the state stipend will be issued in December.
In the spirit of giving, the Salvation Army Angel Tree is kicking off, and the district is working with the Junior Service League to provide coats to many students in need.
Last, but by no means least, Coach Gary Cooper of Lakeside Jr/Sr High School was named the Employee of the Month, with Kevin Thompson of Taylor and Sons presenting the award. Coach Cooper’s letter of recommendation for this award will be detailed in a future Minden Press-Herald article.
The Webster Parish School Board typically meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 PM at the school board offices. The next meeting is scheduled for December 4 and is open to the public.