The Webster Parish School Board met November 10 at the central office, with all members present either in person or remotely. The meeting included several items of routine business, but the majority of discussion centered on property insurance coverage for the district.
A change to the agenda was made to address “unforeseen circumstances” after revised insurance quotes were submitted from both the Leavitt Group PCAL and McInnis Insurance. Financial Director Crevonne Odom said she had not requested a new quote and was upset that one was submitted after the agenda was finalized.
“I was very, very upset about this whole process because, if there is anything that my mother and my father and my Heavenly Father have instilled in me, it is to be fair and honest and above board with any and every thing that I do,” Odom said.
Odom explained that she and Superintendent Johnny Rowland did not open the new quote because it had not been requested. “If they’re going to send in a revised quote, then others should have the opportunity to send in a revised quote. That’s only fair,” she said.
The district’s property insurance expires November 15, leaving little time to act. McInnis Insurance’s new quote was $801,000 for one year, while PCAL’s revised quote was $775,000 per year for three years. PCAL operates a pool for school insurance, offering bulk-rate discounts and flexible terms that allow districts to withdraw without penalty if premiums rise more than 10 percent.
Odom strongly recommended accepting the lower quote, noting the district’s financial constraints. “It turned out to our betterment, but I’m still going to say that competition needs to be fair,” she said.
Board members debated the benefits of using a local company versus saving at least $26,000 per year. Board member Jerri Lee of District 9 voiced support for Odom’s recommendation. “I was thinking about the last time we did not take your advice or recommendation, and we found ourselves in really bad shape,” Lee said.
The board voted 7–5 to accept the lower quote from the Leavitt Group PCAL. Voting in favor were Debbie Thomas, Jonathan Guthrie, Ronnie Rhymes, Linda Kinsey, Jerri Lee, Johnnye Kennon, and Jerry Lott. Voting against were Margaret Edens, Charles Strong, Jana Watson, Glenda Broughton and Susan Addington.
Other business
- The board approved minutes from the October 13 Finance Committee and regular board meetings.
- Kevin Thompson of Taylor and Sons presented the October Employee of the Month award to Spencer Pipes, North Webster High School bus driver.
- A Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) trip for Doyline High School K–2 students to Piney Park in Marshall, Texas, on Nov. 21 was approved. The $10 cost will be covered by students.
- The board approved para/bus driver positions and pay adjustments.
- Members approved using district maintenance, sales tax and bond funds to cover 50 percent of all schools’ utility costs, with language added to review the policy annually, with changes going into effect the following year. The motion passed 8–4.
- The board unanimously adopted a resolution canvassing and declaring results of several special tax elections held October 11.
- The Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the June 30, 2025 audit was approved unanimously.
- The following policy updates were approved unanimously: Equal Opportunity Employment, Equal Education Opportunities, Discipline, Corporal Punishment and Education of Students with Exceptionalities, including audio/video recording provisions.
- Expenditures for maintenance and upgrades at parish schools were approved unanimously in globo.
- Dr. Rebecca Wilson reported that Student of the Year selections are almost complete.
- Superintendent Rowland announced that North Webster High School will release early Friday for football playoffs and said he and transportation director Denny Finley will inspect the Boys & Girls Club building at the fairgrounds for possible district use.
The next regular board meeting will be held Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6 PM at Minden High School. The meeting will be open to the public.