Nichole Airhart

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the required removal of a flood insurance item for Stevenville, and the approval of a campsite lease transfer from Brian Tero to Aprio and Robert K. Us. The board also discussed and approved a $30 annual reimbursement for bus drivers for annual physicals, and reviewed an insurance proposal from Brown and Brown of Louisiana LLC covering general liability, property, and flood coverage, noting that auto losses continue to be a primary driver of insurance costs. Further discussions involved the general fund monthly budget to act comparison and an update on unresolved audit plans, showing significant progress on one outstanding item. During the executive session, the board considered a consulting contract with LFT, Louisiana Institute for Focus Turnaround Desgregation Consulting, and addressed a student expulsion hearing.

The meeting agenda included discussions on Ready Start, Developmental Screening Data (noting 420 total screened with 137 at risk), and information from the LDOE, particularly regarding the upcoming launch of the new FamilyCentral application portal for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in 2026 and monthly provider update webinars. Key operational items covered the February 1 child count (629 for 2025, a decrease from 815 in 2024), open seats tracking via Referral Documentation Forms, and CLASS observations, with a deadline of May 1st for Spring observations and calibration exercises. Plans for the Coordinated Enrollment Campaign, running from March 16-20, including various advertisement strategies, were reviewed. Upcoming deadlines for referral documentation and the next leadership meeting on April 16th were noted.

The meeting included discussions and recommendations regarding financial matters and personnel issues. Key agenda items covered recommending approval for a $300 supplement for MTM bus drivers assigned to long and challenging routes to improve stability and behavior management, which was ultimately substituted to be paid until the end of the fiscal year upon revisiting. Another item involved approving a revised job description for a Sales Tax Administrator, consolidating some duties from the Transportation Manager role due to an anticipated position elimination; this item was tabled for further review, including salary details. The board reviewed the general fund monthly budget to actual comparison and received an update on unresolved audit findings, noting one finding related to collecting funds from an individual who changed jobs. Furthermore, the board discussed a proposed $500 one-time incentive for certified tutors who assist students in specific skills, which caused debate regarding consistency and payroll complexity, leading to a motion to table for clarification on the eligible employee count and criteria. Finally, the regular session included announcements honoring school level and district level support personnel winners.

The meeting included significant discussion regarding personnel policies, specifically concerning employees on leave, including those on leave without pay or due to work-related injuries. The board discussed the potential need to terminate employees absent for a full year and the current reliance on substitute staff. A specific proposal was approved to hire three part-time employees to support various areas, including cafeteria needs, to alleviate staffing shortages. Discussions also covered implementing policies to limit the rollover of accumulated employee days, possibly by paying them out, to encourage usage and manage staffing levels, including a suggestion to hire a district-specific physician to review extended leave documentation. The finance committee recommendations were accepted. New business involved considering and approving a property exchange near Stevensville Elementary to improve a bus turnaround, initiated by adjacent property owners who offered to financially cover the improvements to consolidate their lots. The meeting concluded with administrative business, including the acceptance of the consent agenda and finance committee recommendations, and a final vote regarding school closure extension due to weather, followed by adjournment.

The meeting included discussions and votes on several items, beginning with a decision to hold off on central office staff adjustments pending a review of suggested cuts. The board approved paying the January end-of-month payroll one week early due to the long stretch following the early December payday, while also noting that W2s are due by January 31st. Discussion took place regarding a proposed $250 supplement for time sheet employees, with finance expressing concern over creating a precedent and noting that such supplements historically benefit full-time employees or have complicated administration. The board also recognized various Teachers of the Year at both the school and district levels, and acknowledged National School Board Recognition Month, honoring several members for their service and compliance with training hours. Finally, the board approved the 2026-2027 school calendar, selecting Option Two which aligns breaks with Lafayette Parish and allows for earlier paychecks for staff working the required 15 days.