Christine Darjean

The board meeting included the recognition of student achievements at the National Beta Convention. Key business items addressed were the review and adoption of the 2026-2027 revenue and expenditure budget, the disposal process for expired Chromebooks, the adoption of the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire, and the declaration of election results. The board approved the 2026-2027 salary book, discussed several policy changes regarding board operations, and held an executive session for the superintendent's evaluation. Additionally, the board received a sales tax report noting year-end collection increases.

The Budget and Finance Committee discussed the review of budget-to-actual comparisons for the general fund and special revenue funds, noting expectations of a deficit for the fiscal year. The committee also considered the fiscal year 2026-2027 salary book, which included revisions to salary supplements, the addition of bus driver field trip rates, and a caveat regarding health insurance. Discussions included concerns regarding the disparity in field trip compensation for Acadia Parish bus drivers compared to private contractors, and the committee reviewed an increase in the budget for substitute teacher pay.

The board discussed and approved several items, including the renewal of cyber and property insurance policies for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the approval of the official journal bid, and a request for Branch Elementary to attend the National Beta Convention. Additionally, the board approved updated property schedule values, expenditures for the 2026-2027 budget, a surface and subsurface agreement with Ankor Oil and Gas LLC, a casualty insurance policy renewal, and various bids for the child nutrition program. The board also authorized a one-time employee incentive for Head Start for the 2025-2026 period and reviewed a sales tax report.

The board meeting focused on several fiscal and administrative matters. Key topics included a review of the general fund and special revenue budget comparison, approval of the updated property schedule of values, and consideration of the 2026-2027 budget expenditures, specifically regarding substitute employee costs, staffing adjustments, and Chromebook replacement plans. Additionally, the board approved the renewal of a surface and subsurface agreement with Anchor Oil and Gas LLC, the 2026-2027 casualty policy renewal, and various bids for the child nutrition program. The board also received an update on the Head Start program.

The meeting featured a presentation by a guest speaker from Families Helping Families regarding parental rights and child advocacy. Additional agenda items included the introduction of council members and the special education leadership team, as well as a planning session to determine topics and scheduling for future meetings.