Belinda Dixon

The board meeting included the formal record of staff resignations and new personnel appointments across multiple schools. Committee reports were received from the Finance, Facilities and Equipment, and Curriculum, Instruction, Accountability, and Student Services committees. Key actions included the approval of an investment transfer, renewal of student accident insurance, a cooperative agreement for property preservation, and the revision of the pupil progression plan. Additionally, the board approved a change order for the Tanglewood Elementary project to replace damaged electrical conduit and authorized a revised salary schedule to reflect state-funded increases. The superintendent provided updates on successful summer programs, upcoming employee orientations, and construction progress at Tanglewood Elementary.

The board discussed several items, including the hiring of a new technology coordinator and reports from various committees regarding election district boundaries and student handbook revisions. Changes to the dress code were approved, along with updates to cell phone policies. The board also reviewed and approved multiple budget revisions for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, including general, capital projects, debt service, child nutrition, and grant budgets. Additionally, the board approved an out-of-state field trip for the high school French club and discussed the annual requirement for issuing employment letters to support staff and substitutes.

The board meeting covered several key items, including an industrial tax exemption application for Custom Metalworks, personnel actions such as a retirement, a resignation, new staff appointments, and a medical leave request. Additionally, the board received reports from the finance, human resources and policies, facilities, and committee of the whole, which included updates on cyber liability insurance, policy revisions, the school calendar for the upcoming year, construction projects, and a survey from the Louisiana School Boards Association.

The board discussed several personnel matters, including the retirement and resignation of various instructional and support staff. Reports were presented from the human resources and policies committee and the finance committee, with board approval given for policy revisions, updated job descriptions, and bid awards for child nutrition program products. Additionally, the board held an extensive discussion regarding the annual establishment of millage rates, considering the implications for teacher recruitment and the financial sustainability of the school system.

The board discussed a variety of topics, including the approval of new and revised policies regarding school safety, student attendance, and carpool/bus procedures. The board also approved several personnel-related items, including the pupil appraisal facilitator job description, the employee handbook, and a personnel evacuation plan for the fiscal year. Financial matters included approval of an updated stipend schedule for athletic coaches, salary increases for paraprofessionals, extended salary schedules for support staff, and updated student fees for co-curricular activities. Furthermore, the board approved the selection of a vendor for the 403b retirement program and received updates on facility projects and an overview of the upcoming audit process.