Lafourche Parish School District

The meeting included introductions and recognition of new administrators, specifically the new principal of Raceland Upper Elementary School, the new principal of South LaRose Elementary School, and the new assistant principal of Central Laush High School. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing exceptional student and staff achievements in music, including numerous students selected for LMEA All State groups and LACDA All State groups across middle and high school choirs. The board also reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes of the previous regular board meeting held on January 7, 2026. Furthermore, the board addressed several memorial resolutions for former district employees: Mr. Robert Marcella (teacher), Miss Beth Dawson (custodian), Miss Daria Thomasy (teacher), Mr. Dennis Martinez (teacher/supervisor), and Miss Valencia Pierre (teacher/assistant principal).

The Land and Facilities Committee meeting received several project updates, primarily focusing on post-hurricane recovery and construction progress. Key reports covered the TIBO Middle School project, noting 97% payment completion and anticipating finalization before the September 2024 contract completion date, despite rain delays. Updates on the OLD TIBO Middle School and EAST TIBO Middle School detailed ongoing asbestos abatement and demolition activities. Reports on GOLDEN MEADOW Elementary School indicated remaining punch list items and two credit change orders totaling $12,650. TIBAL Elementary School is in the punch list phase, awaiting resolution of minor items like fencing and a diffuser. The TIBAL High School project involves adding a generator connection point, with equipment expected in December for installation over the Christmas holidays. Significant progress was reported for Hurricane Ed damages, including the nearly complete SOUTH LEFLO HIGH School auditorium renovation, where work is focused on ceiling replacement, ductwork, and code-required electrical upgrades. Another project involved code upgrades at NORTH ROSE Elementary School, replacing damaged roof system sections with metal wall panels for enhanced hurricane resistance, with completion anticipated in mid-November. Issues arose with the layout of band trailers at an unspecified location, causing a two-week installation delay due to coordination problems between the architect and supplier, though no additional cost to the district is expected. Financial reports detailed the status of the 2017 and 2021 Bond referendums, showing obligated funds for all projects. Finally, a request was made by a representative of Biddy Basketball organizations to waive gym usage fees for TIBO Middle School, Washington Elementary School, and TIBO High School, prompting a discussion about extending the fee waiver to all Biddy Basketball institutions across the parish for a three-year period.

The meeting addressed several key agenda items across insurance, finance, and transportation. In insurance, the committee discussed receiving a proposal for medical Third Party Administrator (TPA) services for the 2025-2026 plan year, noting proposed administrative fee increases for both the PPO and Blue Saver plans, and the potential benefits of integrating the Blue Saver plan into the Met-Impact program to offset costs. The finance section involved approving grass cutting services for the northern sites and authorizing employee stipends using state appropriation funding for certificated, support, and part-time staff for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Furthermore, revisions were recommended for the 2025-2026 salary schedule to correct omissions and adjustments, including adding a position, correcting titles, adjusting coach compensation levels, and updating pay scales for child nutrition staff. Financial reports were also presented, including monthly budget-to-actual reports for major funds through August 31, 2025, and an update on Hurricane Ida response and recovery expenditures. The transportation report detailed professional development for drivers focusing on district expectations, mandatory training completion, and bus management techniques, noting exceptional attendance among staff.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the recognition and introduction of new administrators: Mr. Kenny Delk as the new Chief Academic Officer, Miss Best Price as the new Assistant Principal at Central Laush High School, and Miss Christy Lee as the new Assistant Principal at Golden Meadow Elementary School. The board addressed several memorial resolutions for retired staff: Miss Ma Sheremy, Miss Mola Woods, and Mr. Perry Rodrigue. Business items focused heavily on approvals related to the Business Committee recommendations, such as approving a three-year service agreement for district electronic repairs and another for fire alarm systems inspections. Further approvals included extensions for emergency architect/engineering services contracts, emergency roof repairs, emergency disaster restoration, debris monitoring, and debris removal services, all extending through September 7th, 2027. A three-year agreement for leased two-way radios was also approved. The board authorized the President and Superintendent to sign the 2024-2025 Louisiana compliance questionnaire. New business involved the approval of the revised 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct, which included changes regarding multi-tiered support systems, consequences for bullying, and policies on cell phone confiscation. Newly created job descriptions for an Executive Secretary (to support the Chief Academic Officer and Executive Director of Operations) and CLSD Literacy Mentor positions, funded by a grant, were approved. Finally, the Land and Facilities Management Committee recommendations were approved, including change orders for projects at St. Charles Elementary School and South High School, as well as items related to the Hurricane Ida demolition project at Bayou Buff Elementary School. The board also approved waiving gymnasium use fees for EJ's basketball league at Six Ward Middle School for a three-year period. The meeting concluded with a move into and subsequent return from an executive session to review the superintendent's cumulative evaluation for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Policy and Academics Committee meeting included new business regarding the review of terms and policy pricing for the Spark PE curriculum. The committee recommended the purchase of the Spark PE curriculum, which includes a three-year digital subscription, necessary manuals, and associated PE equipment for all 17 elementary schools, totaling a cost of $59,423. This is intended to establish a systematic approach to teaching physical education across the district, addressing the current lack of a formal PE curriculum and phasing out the use of French teachers for PE instruction.