Justin Carrier

The meeting included a presentation by Crowley kindergarten students, followed by a discussion on proposed calendar options for the 2023-2024 school year. The board considered three options (A, B, and C), with varying structures of school weeks and consecutive Mondays off. Concerns were raised about the length of extended school days and the potential impact on students and teachers. Additionally, there was discussion regarding the compensation and summer hours for 12-month secretaries, including a comparison of base pay with neighboring parishes.

The committee meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board included discussions on budget comparisons for the general fund and special revenue funds, as well as health and property insurance. The health insurance expenditures are down, but premium collections are also down due to a previous premium reduction. For property insurance, there was a discussion on whether to allow multiple agents to seek quotes or to continue with the current agent, Dupre Carry Gotcha, given their long-standing relationship and layered insurance coverage approach. The committee also considered dates for 2026 board and committee meetings. Additionally, there was an update on the Head Start program, including governance training for school board members, budget training for the Head Start Policy Council, class observations, and home visits. Finally, there was a presentation on transportation, including goals for increasing technology, SIS integration, and communication. The committee also discussed driver staffing levels, absenteeism, safety, and training, including the use of Lytics cameras for monitoring and coaching drivers.

The meeting included recognition of Well Ahead Healthy Schools, recognizing the 2025 Louisiana Teacher of the Year, and a presentation from Star Services about their mechanical contractor services for HVAC systems in schools. The board also considered adopting a resolution for special elections in several school districts to authorize the renewal of special taxes and conducted a public hearing on the 2024-2025 budget, followed by the adoption of the resolution for the operating budget.

The meeting included discussions on adding an agenda item regarding the status of the crisis management and response plan, authorizing the superintendent to determine the lowest bidder for the turf field project at Iota High School, and a report on the status of crisis management and response plans. There was also a review of budget to actual comparisons in the general fund and all special revenue funds, a report on the October 1st student count, and a consideration of the approval of the increase in the January sales tax supplement for professional and support employees. Additionally, the board considered authorizing the superintendent, chief financial officer, and board legal counsel to move forward on the purchasing process for property adjacent to Midland High School.

The committee meeting included discussions on the budget and a potential four-day work week for the entire Parish. A survey was conducted to gather feedback from employees and stakeholders regarding the four-day work week concept, with the majority of employees expressing support. The survey also explored preferences for either Friday or Monday as the day off. The committee also touched on the timeline for making a decision on the four-day work week.