The Webster Parish School Board (WPSB) convened for its regular monthly meeting on August 5 at Harper Pathways to Excellence, coinciding with the first official day back for teachers in the 2024-25 school year. Board members Margaret Edems of District 1 and Linda Kinsey of District 7 were absent. All agenda items were approved unanimously, except for three expenditures, which will be revisited pending further research.
The board adopted the 2024 tax millage rates, excluding the 28 mills from the Springhill District No. 8, which will be considered later alongside the recently passed bond.
The board approved the FY 24-25 salary schedules, which remained largely unchanged from the previous year. A notable adjustment included standardizing the field trip pay for bus drivers, replacing the previously inconsistent rates set by individual principals. “It has caused a lot of discord,” said Finance Director Crevonne Odom. The new pay-structure ranges based on miles driven, such as $80 (net) for trips up to 50 miles.
A resolution was passed recognizing the finalization of the bond purchase agreement for the issuance and sale of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024, for the Springhill School District No. 8. Grant Schlueter of Foley & Judell and Beck Hanes of Argent informed the board about the favorable bond sale, which secured an interest rate of 3.98% and yielded over $11 million for construction projects. The funds will be available on August 21.
The Minden High School Nature Club was granted approval to travel to Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas, on August 24. Additionally, the board authorized the auction of 35 surplus school buses.
The board discussed revenue sharing from traffic violations captured by cameras in Springhill school zones. The WPSB agreed to accept 10% of the revenue, with the city of Springhill using its share to provide pay raises for police officers.
The board also approved various expenditures for campus maintenance and upgrades throughout Webster Parish.
Dr. Rebecca Wilson made her first presentation as the new personnel director, noting the district’s need to fill several positions, including a JROTC instructor, custodians, and food service workers.
Community Liaison Ursula Hullaby praised the success of the recent Back to School Bash, highlighting the positive response from students and parents and commending the volunteers’ efforts.
Superintendent Rowland addressed the recent passing of Assistant Superintendent Kevin Washington, dedicating the school year to his memory. Mr. Washington’s presence will be missed and his shoes will be difficult to fill as he had performed that role for over 20 years. “Obviously there will be another person who goes in that job. And that person deserves grace and mercy and patience and tolerance,” Rowland stated. He added that there are no immediate plans to appoint a new assistant superintendent. “That position will be filled soon. I don’t, at this time, plan to name an assistant superintendent.”
The next regular WPSB meeting is scheduled for September 9 at 6 PM, and the public is welcome to attend.