Calcasieu Parish School District

The board meeting included a bid report regarding the Starks High School renovation project. The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee reviewed 2025-2026 budget revisions, discussing increases in maintenance expenditures, contract therapist costs, and transportation expenses. Additionally, the committee evaluated the 2026-2027 proposed general fund and special revenue budgets, addressing projections for property and sales tax revenues, employee health insurance premium increases, and the necessity of realistic department budget allocations.

The agenda for the upcoming committee meeting includes a review of 2025-2026 budget revisions for both the general fund and special revenue funds. Other key topics involve the proposed 2026-2027 general fund and special revenue budgets, the capital improvement fund formula, and information updates regarding employee counts and grant-funded positions. Additionally, the committee will discuss the approval of a cost assessment fee and review the annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year 2025.

The board meeting included a quarterly sports medicine report for the district, a recognition ceremony for regional robotics teams that competed at the World Championships, and an update on the Louisiana Junior Beta state representatives. The board also recognized students who achieved high scores in the national AMC8 mathematics competition and acknowledged a support staff member from Vincent Settlement Elementary for receiving the elementary support staff person of the year award. Additionally, student teams from Washington Marian High School and Sulphur High School presented their community leadership projects supported by Woodside Energy, which included the construction of raised garden beds for a local senior center.

The committee meeting covered several policy updates regarding employee conduct and student mental health support. Discussions included mandatory dismissals for employees listed on the Department of Children and Family Services State Central Registry as of August 1, 2025, and reporting requirements for such registry entries. The board also reviewed the administration of mental health screenings for students in grades K-12. Additional agenda items addressed the removal of notification requirements for school board meetings to the Commissioner of Administration, protocols for the sale of surplus technology devices, and procedures for checking excluded parties on the federal System for Award Management (SAM) website. The committee also deliberated on improving transparency in the procurement process for professional services and consultants to ensure equal opportunity for local businesses.

The board conducted a budget hearing and public meeting covering the adoption of 2018 millages and 2018-2019 budgets. Key discussion topics included the appointment of board representatives for the Chennault Board of Commissioners, adoption of the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire, and various bid reports for school construction, maintenance, and food service supplies. Additionally, the board discussed an incentive agreement for the I-210 bridge project, approved liability and property insurance proposals, and reviewed professional services contracts. Committee reports provided updates on bus purchasing rotations, student debt collection, and various administrative policy revisions.