Mandy Edwards

The board meeting agenda included approving an expenditure of $5,200 for payroll reporting services, authorizing a $50,000 safety grant for JES, and approving the 2025-2026 combined budget revisions. Additionally, the board considered an out-of-state trip for the BHS football team, heard a presentation regarding the potential implementation of an Army ROTC program, and discussed policy JCBD concerning student transfers and withdrawals. The meeting concluded with a superintendent's report and an executive session for the superintendent's evaluation.

The board discussed the hoodie policy, approved an expenditure over \$5000 for Hendry Electrical Services, LLC to run circuits to cafeteria kitchens, approved a \$500 payment from sales tax money to all employees, approved repairs to the roof of the two-story building at SIHS, waived board policy and approved a one-time \$1500 stipend to be paid from ESSER grant money for all employees, and reviewed personnel reports including transfers, retirements, and new employees. The superintendent's report included information on upcoming events, including a Veterans Day program, school closures, Thanksgiving break, and a professional development opportunity. The report also mentioned upcoming school board maintenance tax renewals on the ballot.

The meeting agenda includes discussion of a hoodie policy, approval of expenditures exceeding $5,000 for electrical work at various schools to connect cafeteria kitchens to backup generators, and financial recommendations from the Executive Committee for Finance. These recommendations involve employee payments from sales tax and district funds, and a one-time stipend from ESSER grant money (pending state approval). Also on the agenda are personnel and superintendent reports.

The board heard a presentation about 4-H activities. Bids for a hunting lease were opened and subsequently rejected. The board authorized the superintendent to reject uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and approved an expenditure to Alliant Insurance for property insurance. A used school bus purchase was approved, along with purchases of food warmers for JES. A personnel transfer was noted. The superintendent's report covered parent-teacher conferences, the upcoming career fair, attendance recovery day, a literacy grant, and the potential for a JAG program.

The board approved an interagency agreement with CARC Work Activity Center, a contract with a school psychologist, and a resolution calling for an election to continue the parish-wide leeway ad valorem tax. A state-mandated one-time stipend was approved for employees tied to the teacher pay scale. A public hearing was held, and the 2023-2024 combined budget was adopted. Funds were transferred to the baseball fund, and policy changes were approved. The executive committee's financial recommendations were adopted, including expenditures for disaster recovery services, the 2023-2024 salary tables, Spanish and virtual school classes, and insurance renewals. Personnel actions, including new hires and resignations, were reported. A literacy grant awarded to Block High School was noted.