The Webster Parish School Board approved a one-year contract with Mechanical Cooling Services, LLC during its regular meeting Monday, finalizing a $228,000 agreement for HVAC maintenance across the district.
The contract provides for an onsite technician responsible for the daily upkeep, repair, and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at all Webster Parish school facilities. The cost includes the technician’s hourly wage, vehicles, tools, and regular cleaning supplies. Funding will come from School Maintenance Funds and Parish Wide Maintenance Funds.
“We’re hoping this will save us money in the long term,” said Denny Finley, supervisor of transportation and maintenance.
Among the additional approvals was a motion to revise the FY 24-25 budget for several district bond issue tax funds, including Districts 3, 6, 7, 8, 12, and 35. The board also approved Bonvenu Bank to serve as the Kev Group School Cash clearing account bank.
Five 18-by-28-foot metal portable buildings at the central office were declared surplus for demolition. Two additional 18-by-36-foot buildings were added to the item.
Updates to the Employee Evaluation Performance Review were approved for custodian and secretary positions, along with a revised job description for the Special Education Instructional Facilitator: Early Childhood/Low Incidence Populations.
Kevin Thompson of Taylor and Sons recognized Employee of the Month recipient for the month May to Clarence Bryant, bus driver. Details of this award will appear in a future Minden Press-Herald article.
The board approved field trips for Richardson Elementary’s top Accelerated Reader classes and Doyline High School’s 3rd through 5th grade students, both to the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas. Minden High School’s cheer squad will attend UCA Camp in Fort Worth, Texas in June, and three School Food Service staff members will attend a national conference in San Antonio, Texas in July.
An item requesting services from Civil Design Group LLC was pulled from the agenda after Board Member Susan Addington of District 12 requested to reconsider the estimated $800,000 parking lot project.
A base bid of $5,877,000 was awarded to Walker Construction Company of Ruston for athletic improvements at North Webster High School and McMahan Park in Springhill.
Special Education Supervisor Melanie Lewing and staff discussed the Webster Works program, which connects students with special needs to local businesses for work experience. Five businesses are currently participating. “I’m super thrilled with where this is going,” said Jessica McKaskle, special education transition facilitator.
The board entered into executive session regarding Bradford v. WPSB, Docket #23-05781, and voted afterward to resolve the case based on 60% of the attorney’s recommendation.
The May 5 meeting was held at the WPSB offices, with all members present except Charles Strong of District 3. All items on the agenda were approved unanimously. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 2 at 6 PM at the school board office on Sheppard Street in Minden.