Ascension Parish School District

The meeting included the introduction of new administrators for local schools. The board discussed the proposed general fund and special revenues fund budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including transfers and the financial impact of health insurance and employee compensation. There was specific discussion regarding an executive order mandate and local salary schedules, as well as the board's approach to maintaining competitive teacher pay despite state-level financial uncertainties.

The committee meeting addressed two primary agenda items. The first item involved a recommendation to proceed with Woodward Design Build for pre-construction services related to the Lake Middle School construction and Lake Primary renovations, utilizing the Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) process. The second item focused on a request from the Ascension Parish government regarding the establishment of three drainage servitudes on a 63-acre property owned by the board to alleviate local flooding issues, including an exchange for future retention credits and the backfilling of an existing ditch.

The board meeting focused on several key administrative and financial matters. Key actions included the adoption of the Louisiana compliance questionnaire for the fiscal year, a public hearing regarding the amendment and proposal of general and special revenue fund budgets, and the appointment of a new Head Start principal. The board also addressed various consent agenda items, such as the renewal of student accident and health insurance, approval of policy regarding student searches, roof replacement projects, and out-of-state field trips. Furthermore, the meeting featured updates on committee scheduling and a superintendent report highlighting summer school performance and community outreach initiatives involving teachers supporting local disability services.

The meeting focused on the 2024-25 school activity fund audit results, covering the audit process, scope, and key findings. Discussion points included the strategy for addressing inadequate disbursement documentation and timely deposit issues, the identification of schools with perfect audits, and the management of school cash balances. Members also discussed potential support for families in light of fund balances and the possibility of adding staffing support, such as a floating position or contracted internal audit assistance, to help school secretaries manage their duties.

The committee reviewed and approved renewals for health insurance, vision insurance, and basic life and AD&D insurance. The board discussed current financial performance, including a decline in total plan costs per employee, participation trends, and high-cost prescription utilization. Additionally, the committee received an informational update on supplemental life insurance and voluntary disability insurance. Finally, a proposal for workers' compensation insurance was reviewed to assess competitive options.