Ashley M. Carpenter

The meeting included the election of officers for 2026, where Scott Sandifer was elected president and Garrett Greene was declared vice-president by acclamation. The Superintendent's Report featured a final presentation from the outgoing Student Representative detailing holiday events, construction updates, and student achievements, including participation in the Rose Bowl Parade. A proclamation was read recognizing the Beauregard Alternative Program for earning an Exemplary designation. Benoit Motors presented two student-focused programs: "Driven to Graduate" and "Drive for a Purpose." Financial reports indicated an "Excellent" rating on the Annual Financial Report, although sales tax collections were noted to be down compared to the previous year. Several policy revisions were approved, including updates to File:DFM (Sale of Surplus Equipment and Supplies) to allow trade-ins of computing devices, File:DJE (Purchasing) to incorporate FEMA compliance language regarding debarred contractors, File:IFD (Parent and Family Engagement) to meet Louisiana Department of Education requirements, and File:JGCF (Behavioral Health Support for Students) to allow for optional mental health screenings for K-12 students, subject to parental consent.

The Beauregard Parish School Board meeting included a student representative's report on school activities and holiday projects, a report from the Fort Polk Garrison Commander on support for military families, and recognition of the winning entries from the Superintendent's Christmas Card Contest. The board discussed the development of an enhanced 5-year plan and recognized the achievements of the DHS FFA Forestry and Parliamentary Procedures teams. The Beauregard Parish New Teacher of the Year and the Beauregard Parish Students of the Year were also honored. Additionally, the board voted to name the DeRidder High School football field house after Elton Mango. Financial reports were reviewed, including revenue from MFP funds, Ad Valorem, and Sales Tax, with a report on Sales Tax Supplements for employees and retirees. The board approved the purchase of 144 acres at South Beauregard and rejected all bids for air conditioning upgrades. Revisions to policies regarding equal opportunity employment, cameras in special education classrooms, and equal educational opportunity were approved. Finally, the board decided to forgo committee meetings in January and hold only the regular board meeting.

This Local Literacy Plan for Merryville High School aims to provide a growth-centered, literacy-grounded environment that equips all learners to read on or above grade level, master English Language Arts standards, acquire core knowledge, and develop literacy attitudes to meet the challenges of a global society. The plan focuses on three main goals: achieving 75% student proficiency or growth in reading, ensuring teachers provide structured literacy instruction based on the science of reading, and mandating 100% utilization of CKLA and supplemental Guidebook units by K-3 teachers.

The Beauregard Parish School Board held a regular session to discuss several key items. The Superintendent's Report included a presentation from the Student Representative, summarizing school activities, and a report from the Fort Polk Garrison Commander on field trip opportunities. The board discussed Budget Revision #2 for FYE 25, which included an excess of revenue in the general fund and allocations for reserves and debt payments. They also adopted the Pupil Progression Plan (PPP) for 2025-2026, with a change to the English IV requirement for dual-enrollment students. Recommendations from the Finance Committee were approved, including the acceptance of a bid for General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2025, additional improvements to the South Beauregard High School athletic complex, and replacing the DeRidder High School backup chiller. Additionally, the board approved revisions to policies on bullying and hazing, expulsion, child abuse, and behavioral health support for students, waiving the waiting period for these changes.

The Schoolwide Plan for Merryville High School for the 2025-2026 school year aims to prepare students for a happy and productive life and empower tomorrow's leaders. The plan focuses on several key areas: increasing ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies scaled scores by 3%, improving tested scores for special populations by 2-3%, reducing the out-of-school suspension rate from 10% to 6%, and achieving a 100% graduation rate. Strategies include teacher collaboration, professional development, differentiated instruction, active student monitoring, and comprehensive support for at-risk seniors.