Brooke Melancon Latiolais

The meeting focused on Ready Start Network goals, including expanding enrollment and meeting performance targets for instructional and engaged support. Discussions covered LDOE updates, specifically the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative and Heggerty curriculum implementation. Additionally, the meeting addressed the Referral Documentation System for open seats, set deadlines for Spring CLASS observations and score submissions, and reviewed ASQ-3 training interest. Important upcoming events and administrative deadlines were provided for the remainder of the school year.

The Board discussed and approved the renewal of the self-funded worker's compensation plan and excess worker's compensation insurance. Other key topics included the renewal of a campsite lease on Bell River, a 5% increase for the SRO contract, and the allocation of excess sales tax collections for employee supplements. Additionally, the Board recognized education scholarship recipients, the St. Martin Steam Academy for receiving a Disney Broadway Junior grant, and prekindergarten staff for achieving high performance scores. Discussions were also held regarding the endorsement of Prime Time for Head Start business coaching and the decision to advertise for a transportation manager and an accounts payable bookkeeper position.

The meeting included the recognition of the Employee of the Month and the honoring of the 2025-2026 Students of the Year. The Board approved several items including a contract for visually impaired instruction services, a seclusion and restraint policy, and a data sharing agreement. Finance Committee recommendations were approved, specifically the review of budget-to-actual comparisons, a $1,000 employee supplement, and the hiring of part-time cafeteria workers. Additionally, the Board approved a property exchange for a bus turnaround, conducted an executive session regarding a student matter, and acknowledged pending litigation.

The Board discussed the renewal of the workers' compensation policy, specifically comparing a self-funded model to a fully insured plan with LWCC, and received a presentation on the benefits of switching to LWCC. Additional topics included the review of a contract with the Lafayette General Health System, the approval of student insurance bids, and an update regarding unresolved audit findings.

The board conducted organizational business, including the election of the President and Vice-President for the year 2026 and the appointment of committee chairs. Recognition was provided to Teachers of the Year and for School Board Recognition Month. The board reviewed and approved various policy revisions, a memorandum of understanding, E-Rate bid providers, and a code of conduct. Finance committee recommendations were addressed, including payroll adjustments, budget-to-actual comparisons, audit findings, and a hiring freeze. Additionally, the board approved the 2026-2027 school calendar and deliberated on a student disciplinary matter in executive session.