Caldwell Parish School District

The board recognized the passing of three employees and celebrated a teacher as the Employee of the Month. Key approvals included the 2026-2027 school calendar and updates to employee dismissal policies. Financial discussions addressed a significant projected budget deficit, enrollment declines, and a potential, though opposed, use of excess sales tax revenue to cover gaps. The board also planned a strategy retreat to address financial planning and initiated the process for an upcoming millage renewal election. Operational and academic updates highlighted infrastructure improvements, the adoption of an AI-powered literacy tool, a successful food service review, and student achievements in robotics and athletics.

The meeting encompassed various operational and academic updates, including reports on sales tax comparisons and the Executive Committee's activities. Recognition was given to the Employee of the Month, and updates were provided on the 4-H program enrollment and literacy initiatives. The district's accountability performance was reviewed, highlighting growth in school ratings and the implementation of the new 'Thrive' program at the high school level. Additionally, the board approved EFID Board actions regarding a sales tax election, confirmed the termination of an employee, and received financial updates on the general and lunch funds. Further discussions addressed early childhood performance, special education monitoring, and academic strategies for high school students. The board also formally rescheduled the upcoming January meeting.

The board reviewed financial reports, including the monthly check register, sales tax report, and a detailed update on the General Fund, savings, and lunch funds. Key actions included the approval of the 2025-2026 Differentiated Compensation Plan, which addresses recruitment and retention needs through stipends for teachers in critical shortage areas and support for mentor and buddy teacher programs. The meeting also featured recognitions, academic and testing updates regarding LEAP math growth and grant applications, and operational reports covering maintenance challenges, career fair success, and student enrollment trends. Additionally, the Superintendent provided updates on district support following a recent tragedy, upcoming parent-teacher conferences, and advocacy efforts for the district sales tax election.

The board meeting included the recognition of an Employee of the Month, approval of a policy update regarding the education of students with exceptionalities, and a comprehensive financial update detailing expenditures, revenue trends, and audit progress. Departmental leaders provided status reports covering early childhood literacy programs, instructional support strategies, career and technical education developments, technology grants, and athletic/robotics season preparations. The Superintendent delivered a report focused on crisis management plan verification and detailed context regarding an upcoming sales tax vote to support extracurricular and academic programs. Board members emphasized the transparency of the tax proposal process and the importance of supporting the school system.

The board conducted its annual leadership elections, re-electing Randy Rentz as President and Maria Bass as Vice President, and confirmed the school board committees for 2026. Staff members were recognized with Employee of the Month, Support Persons of the Year, Teachers of the Year, and Principal of the Year awards. Financially, the district received a clean audit report for the third consecutive year with zero findings. A detailed financial report for FY25 was presented, showing overall decreases in the General Fund and combined special revenue funds. The board approved a one-time $750 maintenance stipend for three personnel members. Additionally, a $92,000 Safe Schools Grant was secured to install electronic door locks at two schools for enhanced security. The Caldwell Watchman was named the official journal for 2026, and the board discussed improving public transparency by posting meeting recaps and video links on the district website. The instructional focus was highlighted as 'Aggressive Monitoring.' An update on the Louisiana Green Fuels Project projected a significant annual economic impact via property millages and addressed community safety concerns.