The Webster Parish School Board convened its regular meeting on Monday, January 6, 2025, at its offices on Sheppard Street. District 7 representative Linda Kinsey was absent, but all agenda items were approved unanimously by the board.
The board approved a fifth-grade field trip for Richardson Elementary students to visit NASA in Houston, Texas, in May. The trip will be funded through Title I allocations and fundraising efforts, along with parental contributions. Additionally, board members approved travel for educators to attend the NIET Conference in Washington, D.C., in February. The conference focuses on the implementation of a new teacher evaluation system being introduced this year.
A coordinated funding request for the 2025-2026 school year was approved on behalf of the Webster Parish Ready Start Early Childhood Network. The application seeks funding for birth-to-four-year-old seats as part of standard protocol to support early learning programs.
Several expenditures were ratified for maintenance and facility upgrades across district schools, with funding sourced from various local maintenance funds, sales tax revenues, and grants. Key approvals include:
Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School: Purchase of 12 desktop PCs for $19,668.12 and several repairs totaling $3,630.
Minden High School: Boiler maintenance contracts and HVAC repairs exceeding $14,000, plus power washing services for $4,236.78.
North Webster High School: Replacement of a commercial water heater for $12,547 and other repairs totaling $11,225.
Springhill Schools: Upgrades to outdated phone systems and boiler maintenance.
These projects reflect the board’s continued investment in maintaining safe and functional learning environments across the parish.
The board entered an executive session to discuss insurance matters. Upon returning, they approved a measure to provide up to two-thirds of the workman’s compensation insurance as recommended by legal counsel.
Dr. Rebecca Wilson, director of personnel, reported on recruitment efforts for the upcoming school year. The district is actively seeking qualified candidates, including a school secretary for Brown Upper Elementary.
Community liaison Ursula Hullaby highlighted holiday support efforts. The Salvation Army served 89 families, benefiting 168 students. Walmart stores in Minden and Springhill contributed gifts for local students, while Brushwood Methodist Church provided Christmas dinners for 13 Central Elementary families.
“My prayer is that people will see the benefit of people who truly care about people,” Hullaby said. “I feel like I work for one of the best districts; I live in a community that loves to serve people.”
Superintendent Johnny Rowland reminded attendees that students return to school on Wednesday, January 8. He also noted potential bad weather on Thursday evening, advising parents to monitor the district’s Facebook page for updates on possible closures.
“I’m looking forward to 2025,” Rowland stated optimistically.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 3, 2025, at 6 PM at the school board offices. The public is invited to attend.
As the board progresses into the new year, the focus remains on providing quality education, supporting staff development, and maintaining district facilities to enhance the learning environment for all students.