Britney Thrasher

The board approved the distribution of excess sales tax and authorized several facility use requests, including a community celebration for seniors and a graduation ceremony. Additionally, the board approved multiple out-of-state educational trips for students to attend a national leadership conference and visit historical sites.

The board meeting featured recognitions for a National Life Changer of the Year award winner and the Gibsland Coleman High School Boys Basketball team for their State Championship win. Key business included the approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar, a policy review discussion concerning meeting minutes documentation, and a debate regarding high school graduation scheduling. The board also passed a resolution designating Employee Appreciation Week, authorized the distribution of letters of assurance to certified employees, and approved multiple requests for the use of school facilities.

The board selected an official journal for the 2026-2027 term and received an update from school personnel regarding their attendance at the National ESEA Conference. Additionally, the board approved several requests for the use of school facilities for local events and authorized out-of-state educational trips, including professional development for staff and student attendance at a national convention.

The Board approved the rescheduling of the upcoming April board meeting due to a scheduling conflict. Additionally, the Board adopted several policy revisions concerning notification of board meetings, the sale of surplus equipment and supplies, purchasing procedures, emergency and crisis management, recruitment, employee dismissal, employee conduct, and behavioral health support for students. The Board also reviewed and discussed the process and policy guidelines regarding the election of the Vice President.

The meeting commenced with the election of officers for 2026, resulting in Ms. Derrika Bailey being declared President and Mr. Donald Calloway elected as Vice-President. A plaque of appreciation was presented to the outgoing President, Mr. Colton Guin. The Board established the schedule and location for regular meetings throughout 2026. Several schools were recognized for achieving "Top Gains," "Opportunity Honoree," and "A" Letter grade statuses from the Louisiana Department of Education for the 2024-2025 school year. Winners of the Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year Program and the Principal of the Year, Mr. Douglas Salvaterra, were honored. Proposed policy revisions concerning board meetings, purchasing, employee conduct, and student behavioral health were placed on public display for review. Board members received certification for their continuing learning unit hours for 2025, with all members recognized as Certified Board Members. A resolution was adopted declaring January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month. The Board also adopted the Louisiana Schools Board Association (LSBA) Code of Conduct for Louisiana School Board Members. Finally, approvals were granted for the use of school facilities for community events and an out-of-state educational trip for a Math Class.