Lafayette Parish School System

The committee meeting included a roll call, followed by an announcement from the board president regarding committee membership changes, specifically removing one member and adding another. Key discussions focused on legislative education reform considerations, including updates on meetings with state senators and representatives concerning various legislative items. Specific topics addressed were Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) background checks and provisional hiring, tenure consistency for bus drivers regarding disciplinary actions, student expulsion language, third-grade retention standards compared across public and charter schools, and student testing minimization. The committee also discussed policy review, noting that many board policies are outdated or conflict with current state law, necessitating a comprehensive review post-legislative session. A recommendation was made to include a legislative update as an informational item on future agendas.

The meeting included the election of the President and Vice-President of the Lafayette Parish School Board for the year 2026. Information items covered the 2026-2027 Budget Process Timeline and the transition from the BoardDocs platform. The consent agenda featured several actions, including the adoption of resolutions recognizing the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and School Board Member Recognition Month. The Board acknowledged the maximum hourly rates established by the Louisiana Attorney General for legal counsel and authorized the Superintendent to negotiate rates within those limits. Further actions involved approving The Lemoine Company as the Construction Manager at Risk for the Broadmoor Elementary addition, approving a fund transfer for a digital sign replacement at Middlebrook Elementary, and approving EisnerAmper as the Certified Public Accountant Audit Firm for Fiscal Years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The Board also approved the December Budget-to-Actual/Revisions for FY 25-26, the Health Plan Document and Summary Plan Description for the year beginning January 1, 2026, and authorized the Board President to execute the contract for Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. Litigation matters were scheduled for executive session.

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. The primary agenda item discussed was the 2026 district vision, developed through extensive stakeholder engagement across students, adults, teachers, and business people. Key discussion points centered on the four core values derived from this feedback, emphasizing safety, which includes proactive measures regarding social-emotional health due to concerning trends among young students. The superintendent highlighted the district's existing resources, such as having social workers in all schools, and the need for continuous improvement in proactive measures. Culture was another focus, supported by communication channels like monthly emails and QR code feedback systems for reporting issues (rated on a one to five-star scale) directly to leadership. Discipline, student, and adult attendance were noted as integral parts of maintaining a positive culture. Discussions also covered opportunities and growth, noting the competition with private and charter schools and the importance of extracurricular offerings beyond core academics. Furthermore, the board's commitment to staff compensation, including incentive pay for coaches, band directors, cheerleaders, and dance teams, was highlighted as crucial for talent retention against competing districts. The Superintendent noted that current pay structures mean teachers start above $50,000, with experienced staff earning significantly more. Finally, the district's status as the number one large school district in the state, outperforming competitors like St. Tammany Parish, was acknowledged, alongside ongoing initiatives like partnering with the Pew Foundation to transform perpetually failing schools.

The Board Insurance Finance Committee meeting covered the selection of the committee chairperson, with Mr. Odalgo being nominated and confirmed for the 2026 term. Key discussions involved a review and approval of the minutes from the November 5th, 2025 meeting. The primary focus was on the Gallagher report, including a high-level update on the monthly financial monitoring report for fiscal year 2526 (July 2025 through December 2025), noting an upward trend in per member per month costs. The committee also reviewed the wellness market scan, which involves engaging a new robust wellness vendor, identifying vendors for point solutions, and exploring a hybrid approach for biometric screenings. Furthermore, the presentation detailed the hierarchy for checking provider networks (Direct Contracts first, then Varity, then Etna) and discussed exploring incentive options for retirees with Medicare participation in wellness programs.

The meeting commenced with opening comments from the Superintendent, followed by information items recognizing the Bruce Middle School girls' and boys' basketball teams for their championship seasons and academic success. The consent agenda covered discussion and/or action items including Magna Academy procedure changes, resolutions for Black History Month, National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, and school board member training. Financial discussions involved transferring funds for an HVAC assessment, approving a Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) for new wing additions at Westside and Milton, allocating funds for hand dryer installation at multiple schools, and reviewing February budget-to-actual revisions. Several resolutions concerned amending the half-cent sales and use tax ordinance and directing the superintendent to amend medical and pharmacy plan documents without changing benefits. Policy discussions covered school board committees, notification of school board meetings, surplus equipment sales, emergency crisis management, and personnel policies (recruitment, separation, conduct). The agenda also included discussions on health examinations and lease term extensions for Section 16 Ridge. The board proclaimed February 12th, 2026, as School Resource Officer Appreciation Day and February 1st through 28th, 2026, as Black History Month. A resolution for National School Counseling Week was also presented. The superintendent was authorized to implement a reduction in force. Finally, the minutes from November 5th, 2025, January 8th, and January 16th, 2026, were presented for approval.