The Webster Parish School Board convened for its regular meeting on Monday, March 3, approving all agenda items unanimously. Discussions included student safety concerns, school trips, employee evaluations, and facility improvements.
Student Safety Concerns
Terrell Mendenhall addressed the board regarding concerns about children walking along MLK Drive to and from Brown Upper Elementary School with no sidewalk or crossing guard. Mendenhall stated he had been contacted by several parents about the situation, however, Superintendent Rowland and Principal McCall stated that they could find no records of parents expressing concerns. Rowland noted that parents of walking students had signed letters affirming they felt comfortable with their children walking.
Rowland explained that the location in question is approximately 200 yards from the school and that school crossing guards are funded by the city rather than the school board. He advised Mendenhall to contact the Springhill Police Department or city officials for possible short-term solutions. In the meantime, Principal McCall has been monitoring the situation and the school’s SRO has been moving to that location with the patrol unit after completing duties at the school.
Following the discussion, the board approved the purchase of a tract of land adjacent to Brown Upper Elementary. The project, which has been in development since last summer, aims to construct a sidewalk along Patterson Street, a busier road than MLK Drive, to provide students with a safer route to school.
Employee Evaluations and School Trips Approved
The board approved updates to Employee Evaluation Performance Reviews for instructional coaches and food service department employees.
Several school trips were also approved:
- J.L. Jones Elementary School’s third-grade students will travel by charter bus to the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas, on April 17. The estimated cost of $4,857.78 will be funded through Title I.
- The Minden High School Band of Pride Auxiliary will attend a camp at Texas Southern University in Houston from June 16-20.
- North Webster Upper Elementary School students will travel to Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia on April 10 to watch a live production of Cinderella, funded by Title I.
- Lesa Ward and two students from Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School will attend a Career Expo in Marshall, Texas, on February 26.
School Summit Presentation
A group of educators who attended the Innovative School Summit in New York City presented their findings to the board. The delegation, consisting of counselors, behavior interventionists, attendance officers, teachers, assistant principals, and supervisors, shared insights on culturally responsive practices. They highlighted strategies for supporting students’ behavioral and social-emotional needs, such as managing emotions, and discussed how these approaches contribute to a positive school climate and culture.
Facility and Policy Updates
The board approved a contract with Yeager, Watson, and Associates, LLC for architectural services related to additions and renovations at Griffith Stadium. Funding for the project will come from the District 6 1/2 Cent Sales Tax Fund.
Additionally, the board approved several policy updates stemming from the 2023 legislative session. Expenditures for campus maintenance and improvements across the parish were also approved.
Upcoming Public Meeting
A public meeting will be held on April 7 at 6 PM at the Parish School Board Office in Minden. At this meeting, the board will consider a resolution to call special elections for the renewal of various ad valorem and sales taxes benefiting the school district.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 7 and will be open to the public.