Acadia Parish School District

The meeting included policy revisions to instructional materials as a result of legislative action, a Head Start program update, and approval of a Head Start non-competing continuation application. Additionally, the Board approved an out-of-state field trip request to NASA for Egan Elementary students. Other business included a recognition ceremony for the Crowley High School powerlifting team, a review of general fund and special revenue budget-to-actual comparisons, and a discussion regarding child nutrition serving guidelines and USDA regulations concerning adult meal pricing.

The board discussed and approved the annual audited financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, which received a clean, unmodified opinion from auditors. Key agenda items included the approval of a servitude agreement to facilitate a bridge replacement project, authorization for the Rain High School wrestling team to travel out of state for a tournament, and the adoption of policy revisions regarding special education classrooms following legislative changes. Additionally, the board held a discussion concerning the process for securing property insurance quotes and the management of insurance agents.

The committee meeting addressed several key financial and administrative items. Discussions included a budget-to-actual comparison for general and special funds, consideration and approval of an audit proposal for future fiscal years, and the adoption of a budget calendar for 2025-2027. Additionally, the committee approved an amendment to a lease agreement for farmland in Acadia Parish. The meeting also featured a status update on the Head Start program, detailing enrollment levels, funding guidance, and the successful reimbursement process for program expenditures.

The board meeting included the recognition of the Rayne High wrestling team for their achievements in a state tournament. The board conducted an election for the positions of board president and vice president. Additionally, a resolution was adopted declaring January 2026 as School Board Member Recognition Month. An announcement was made regarding a special election for school purposes to be held for the levy of an ad valorem tax. The board also reviewed and approved the Head Start annual report and the internal dispute resolution policy, and received an update on the ongoing strategic planning process for the district.

The board discussed calendar options for the upcoming school year, specifically addressing the number of teacher professional development days, the scheduling of holidays, and the impact of the four-day work week. Members debated the effectiveness of the four-day schedule, specifically regarding student and teacher retention, performance scores, and recruitment efforts. Data was presented showing improvements in student attendance since the implementation of the four-day week, and the board agreed on the need for continued, transparent discussions involving data analysis to assess the long-term impact of the schedule on student achievement.