Catahoula Parish School District

The board discussed the hoodie policy, approved an expenditure over \$5000 for Hendry Electrical Services, LLC to run circuits to cafeteria kitchens, approved a \$500 payment from sales tax money to all employees, approved repairs to the roof of the two-story building at SIHS, waived board policy and approved a one-time \$1500 stipend to be paid from ESSER grant money for all employees, and reviewed personnel reports including transfers, retirements, and new employees. The superintendent's report included information on upcoming events, including a Veterans Day program, school closures, Thanksgiving break, and a professional development opportunity. The report also mentioned upcoming school board maintenance tax renewals on the ballot.

The meeting agenda includes discussion of a hoodie policy, approval of expenditures exceeding $5,000 for electrical work at various schools to connect cafeteria kitchens to backup generators, and financial recommendations from the Executive Committee for Finance. These recommendations involve employee payments from sales tax and district funds, and a one-time stipend from ESSER grant money (pending state approval). Also on the agenda are personnel and superintendent reports.

The board heard a presentation about 4-H activities. Bids for a hunting lease were opened and subsequently rejected. The board authorized the superintendent to reject uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and approved an expenditure to Alliant Insurance for property insurance. A used school bus purchase was approved, along with purchases of food warmers for JES. A personnel transfer was noted. The superintendent's report covered parent-teacher conferences, the upcoming career fair, attendance recovery day, a literacy grant, and the potential for a JAG program.

The board approved an interagency agreement with CARC Work Activity Center, a contract with a school psychologist, and a resolution calling for an election to continue the parish-wide leeway ad valorem tax. A state-mandated one-time stipend was approved for employees tied to the teacher pay scale. A public hearing was held, and the 2023-2024 combined budget was adopted. Funds were transferred to the baseball fund, and policy changes were approved. The executive committee's financial recommendations were adopted, including expenditures for disaster recovery services, the 2023-2024 salary tables, Spanish and virtual school classes, and insurance renewals. Personnel actions, including new hires and resignations, were reported. A literacy grant awarded to Block High School was noted.

The board approved the 2023-2024 student handbook and discussed forming a policy committee for next year's changes. They reviewed the discipline policy and approved recommendations from the Executive Committee for Finance, including an expenditure to replace carpet and tile at HHS using Safer Smarter Schools funding and adding a member to the finance committee. Personnel matters included new hires, a transfer, and resignations. The superintendent reported on LEAP scores, employee return to work, open houses, and a cybersecurity update. The board held an executive session for superintendent evaluations and approved the superintendent's contract after an amendment failed. Finally, they approved advertising for the lease of the Enterprise hunting lease.