John Young

This technology plan for the Lincoln Parish School System, covering 2014-2017, aims to enhance educational services through strategic technology implementation. Key objectives include expanding technology capacity via increased internet and network bandwidth, Wi-Fi access, and device availability; promoting online instructional delivery and digital resource accessibility; and ensuring comprehensive professional development for staff. The plan also details compliance with federal E-rate program requirements, including the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) concerning internet safety policies, content filtering, online activity monitoring, and user education.

This Strong Start Plan for Lincoln Parish Schools outlines detailed protocols and procedures for the academic year 2020-2021 across three reopening phases: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3. It addresses key operational areas including teaching and learning (offering virtual and in-class options), transportation, meal distribution, comprehensive safety measures (such as handwashing, isolation protocols, and mask requirements), and rigorous cleaning schedules for facilities. The plan also includes guidelines for athletics, ensuring operations conform to evolving health and safety recommendations.

The Lincoln Parish School Board's wellness policy aims to optimize student development by creating positive, safe, and health-promoting learning environments. The plan establishes goals and procedures across key areas including ensuring student access to healthy foods, providing quality nutrition education, offering physical activity opportunities, promoting nutrition and physical activity, supporting staff healthy behaviors, fostering community engagement, and establishing robust policy management and oversight. The overarching objective is to cultivate lifelong healthy habits among students and staff.

The board meeting primarily focused on the adoption, finalization, and implementation of the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund budgets for the fiscal year. Key discussion topics included the review of the budget process, revenue sources such as the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), sales and use taxes, and property taxes, as well as the board's strategic plan and mission objectives for the upcoming years, including educational goals and financial operations.

The Board approved policy revisions regarding bullying, hazing, acceptable use of computer systems, and added a policy on threats of terrorism or violence. The Board adopted a one-year Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and approved a Right of Entry Agreement with the City of Ruston for sidewalk construction. Additionally, the Board approved change order #1 for the STEM Center project, involving the relocation of security cameras and the addition of exterior cameras. The meeting included personnel reports, construction updates on the STEM site and Choudrant Elementary, as well as presentations on sales tax collections, financial updates for the general and health care funds, and a report from the Superintendent concerning property donations, lease negotiations, and student performance scores.