The Webster Parish School Board (WPSB) convened for its regular monthly meeting on September 5 at Harper Pathways to Excellence, with board members Linda Kinsey (District 7) and Jonathan Guthrie (District 4) absent. All agenda items were approved unanimously.
Following routine business, three pre-educator students, along with sponsors Mrs. Amy Phillips (North Webster High School French teacher) and Mrs. Ashanti Cooper (assistant principal at Webster Junior High School), presented an overview of their experience at the Educators Rising Conference in Washington, D.C., which they attended in June. The students expressed gratitude for the opportunity and shared how the experience deepened their commitment to pursuing careers in education. A future Minden Press-Herald article will provide additional details.
The board adopted the 2024 Tax Millage rate and approved the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budgets without discussion.
The WPSB approved the Back to School COVID Resurge Stipend, using remaining COVID-19 relief funds. This stipend, set to be distributed by September 30, will provide $1,200 to all eligible full-time employees, including those who retired during the current fiscal year. Custodians working five months will receive $600.
Additionally, the board approved the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) stipend, funded by the state and to be distributed by October 31. All eligible full-time exempt employees, such as teachers, will receive $2,000, while nonexempt employees, including support staff, will receive $1,000. The board decided to include Pre-K teachers in this stipend, paying them $2,000 from district funds. Five-month custodians will receive $500.
The board also approved the 2024/2025 Webster Parish Parent and Family Engagement Policy and the 2024/2025 Webster Parish Homeless Policies and Procedures with no discussion.
Maintenance expenditures across multiple schools were approved, with the only amendment being the removal of the word “low” before the bid for installing insulation at North Webster Junior High School.
Dr. Rebecca Wilson, personnel director, introduced Andre Washington as the new Child Welfare Supervisor. Washington previously served as principal of Browning Elementary for 10 years and will replace the late Kevin Washington, who served the district for decades.
Dr. Wilson also introduced a new initiative through Reach University aimed at helping paraprofessionals and support staff become certified teachers. “At this time, we have 16 paras in this program to get their college degree,” said Wilson, emphasizing that the program costs participants only $75 per month.
Amy Howard has been named the new principal at Browning Elementary School.
Community Liaison Ursula Hullaby announced a $1,500 donation of school supplies from Walmart. “This was on top of the $1,500 and $500 they gave leading up to the Bash,” said Hullaby. “We are grateful to have this community relationship.”
Hullaby also reported attending a safety conference at Grambling University, noting her satisfaction that Webster Parish schools meet or exceed the safety standards discussed at the event. “We’re taking care of our business,” she said regarding the district’s preparedness.
Superintendent Johnny Rowland presented a bid for lawn maintenance services for the northern campuses of Webster Parish, but the board deferred a decision, citing the cost. However, the board authorized Rowland to address immediate mowing needs while exploring other options.
The next WPSB meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 3, at 6PM. The public is welcome to attend.