The Webster Parish School Board agreed to set a town hall meeting either at Webster Junior High School or J.A. Phillips Middle School so the public can get a better understanding of what they will vote for in November.
Buildings and maintenance committee member John Madden asked the meeting to be set at one of the schools as they are the ones to be affected by the ballot item. The board voted to let a letter submitted by Madden on behalf of the buildings and maintenance committee to be its official stance on the issue.
In the letter, Madden explains the decision made to move kindergarten through first grade at J.E. Harper Elementary School to Phillips and move sixth graders at Phillips to Webster Junior High. Additional wings and appropriate renovation at each school will take place to accommodate the move.
“We would like to sponsor a town hall-style meeting to answer any questions and allay any fears that anyone may have,” Madden wrote. “We will have some examples of how much a typical taxpayer is currently paying and how much and longer this tax will have to continue to pay for these new additions to our communities. We pledge ourselves to be excellent stewards of your hard-earned dollars and build what is needed but not to ‘over-build’ these buildings.”
The letter does not take a stance either in favor or against the proposition, but rather explains what the proposition is and how it will affect the taxpayer.
The proposition set for November’s ballot will ask taxpayers in District 6 for an extension of the current property tax.
The date, time and location of the meeting has yet to be determined.
In other news, the board approved:
– Moro Electric LLC to replace and install eight new GFI Rept. 20A; install conduit and wiring for a new water heater at Minden High School for $980 using District 6 half-cent sales tax; and to install a electrical for flag pole lighting, all necessary wiring and conduit underground to the flag pole for two lights at North Webster Junior High School for $1,400 using the Sarepta Maintenance Fund.
– Approve Gentry and Holder Floors Inc to screen and recoat the entire gym floor at North Webster High School for $3,500 using Springhill Maintenance Fund.
– The purchase of an ice machine for North Webster High School for $3,596 using the Springhill Lease Fund.
– The personnel committee will meet at 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19 to discuss the renewal of the contract for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dan Rawls. The next monthly board meeting will be Monday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. A finance committee meeting will commence at 5:30 p.m.