Phaedra Blake

The Lincoln Parish School Board's budget for the fiscal year focuses on educational goals and objectives outlined in the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, including rigorous instruction, individualized student supports, UFLI Foundations for K-2 literacy, and LEADs implementation. The budget addresses student enrollment trends across school districts and incorporates assumptions about MFP funding, sales tax revenues, and property tax revenues. It includes allocations for salary supplements, differentiated pay, and fund transfers for capital projects and utility costs. The budget also covers various funds, including the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, and Medicaid Programs, with detailed revenue and expenditure projections for each.

The document outlines the 2025-2026 salary schedules for various positions within the Lincoln Parish School Board, including certified, professional service, business support service, child nutrition, custodial, maintenance, student support, and transportation employees. It details salary increases, starting salary calculations, and sales tax supplements. The document also includes information on state stipends and differentiated compensation distribution plans, hourly and substitute employee pay rates, and supplemental pay guidelines.

The Lincoln Parish School Board convened to discuss multiple topics, including recognizing a National Merit Semi-Finalist from Ruston High School and hearing a presentation from the Lincoln Parish Library regarding resources available to students. The board addressed a property record correction from 1984 and approved the posting of an FCC Form 740 for a new Wide-Area-Network circuit at the Ruston High Softball Complex. Upgrades to the Simsboro School cafeteria were approved, and the board agreed to advertise for bids for five new or used school buses. The board also approved voluntary benefits to be offered by Gallagher/Pelican to employees and approved the renewal of the Health plan, the Samaritan Fund Program, and health plan rate increases. Additionally, the board approved the amount of the November salary supplements to be distributed to salaried employees. A boundary study report was presented to reconfigure Ruston's elementary schools, and a personnel report was reviewed. The board also received financial updates, including sales tax collections and health plan contributions and expenses.

The Lincoln Parish School Board convened to discuss several key issues. The board considered a proposal for the reconfiguration of elementary schools in Ruston, which would take effect in the 2026-2027 school year. The board also discussed policy manual revisions related to the sale of surplus equipment, equal employment opportunities, education of students with exceptionalities, cameras in special education classrooms, equal education opportunities, and discipline. The board granted permission to execute Substantial Completion documents for security improvements at Ruston High School and the Simsboro School construction project. Additionally, the board approved the distribution plan for one-time stipend payments to school employees in 2025-2026 and approved procedures for disciplinary actions against certain employees. The board also received a report on the district's Crisis Management and Emergency Operation Plan and a personnel report. The board discussed sales tax receipts and financial reports, and they moved into Executive Session to discuss a legal matter.

The Lincoln Parish School Board convened to discuss and act on several key items. The proposed budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, was presented, detailing estimated revenues and expenditures for both the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund activities. The board also approved the purchase of property adjacent to Ruston High School to enhance campus security and support future expansion. Additionally, they approved entering into the Property Casualty Alliance of LA Interlocal Agreement for property insurance coverage and approved a partnership with Gallagher Benefit Services and Pelican Benefit Advisors as the Third Party Administrator for the Board's cafeteria plan and employee voluntary supplemental benefit offerings. The renewal of the Medicare Advantage Plan with UnitedHealthcare was also approved, along with the Systems Survey & Compliance Questionnaire. The Lincoln Parish Pupil Progression Plan for the 2025-2026 school year was approved. Various personnel actions, including retirements, resignations, and employments, were addressed. Updates were provided on sales tax collections, financial statements, and the Group Health Plan report. The Superintendent reported on challenges at Ruston Junior High School due to construction, the transition of Simsboro School into its new building, and an increase in district enrollment.