Ouachita Parish School District

The Board discussed various operational and financial items, including the recognition of maintenance and warehouse teams for their work during a winter storm and the presentation of an unmodified audit report for the fiscal year. Key actions included the approval of school consolidation and reconfiguration plans for the upcoming school year, an amendment to the calendar to make up for missed instructional time, and the creation of a new position for a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst. Additionally, the Board approved multiple policies, reviewed financial reports, authorized a change order for practice field improvements, and approved the purchase of land for a new upper elementary school. Other business involved awarding various construction and sale bids, cancelling a property sale bid, and granting permission to bid on several upcoming school improvement and supply projects.

The meeting focused on reviewing and approving changes to Policy EFAB, the Employee and Student Acceptable Use Policy for AI, treating it as a living document requiring ongoing updates. Key discussions involved differentiating between appropriate and inappropriate AI use for staff and students, and establishing verification steps for teachers to confirm student use of AI tools, including considering student verbal explanations or version history from document creation software. The committee also addressed specific considerations for students with IEPs or 504 plans concerning AI usage, and the importance of providing training and resources to students and parents on responsible AI use, particularly as the district evaluates new platform adoptions that may integrate AI verification features. The agenda was approved, and the policy changes were subsequently approved by motion.

The Finance Committee meeting focused primarily on two major topics: substitute compensation and differentiated pay guidelines. Regarding substitutes, the committee discussed a proposed 20-ish% pay raise aimed at addressing losses to surrounding districts, particularly Monroe City. The cost of this raise was estimated at approximately $500,000, which the committee suggested could be funded by anticipated savings from the consolidation of Southside elementary schools (estimated at 10 teaching positions). Discussion also included the take-home pay for substitutes after mandatory deductions, noting that substitutes are not part of the retirement plan and do not participate in FICA, instead contributing to a 457 plan. The second agenda item concerned differentiated compensation, reviewing state guidelines for the third year of the program. Previous years involved using funds for stipends to teacher leaders involved in committee work or distributing stipends to highly effective teachers, the latter of which reportedly caused morale issues. The current allocation is approximately $400,000, which is designated exclusively for certified classroom teachers.

The Policy Review Committee meeting focused on reviewing and approving several policy revisions. Key discussions involved clarifying Policy JDA regarding corporal punishment definitions by separating physical restraint from the definition based on state statute. Policy JDE concerning expulsion for possession of marijuana and chemical derivatives was clarified to ensure automatic expulsion is not triggered on a first offense. Policy JCDAAE regarding cell phones was revised to explicitly include non-school-issued smartwatches and smart glasses with video/audio/photo recording capabilities, pending confirmation that this aligns with current law. Policy EBC on emergency crisis management was discussed in relation to required mapping data provision for law enforcement, ensuring software compatibility and data synchronization. Policy DFK mandated compliance with federal guidelines prohibiting contracting with disbarred or suspended entities based on the System for Award Management list. Finally, Policy FEA, relating to Agriculture and Engineering Services, was reviewed, noting that the requirement to select services based on competence and qualifications for a fair price appears consistent with existing practices.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, followed by a presentation of the colors by the Paris High School junior ROTC program, a pledge led by Mr. Manley, and an invitation by Mr. Batty. Key agenda items included the approval of the January 13th minutes and an amendment to the current agenda to delete item 10 and add items 13 and 14, as well as adding items 4, 5, and 6 under permission to bid. Personnel matters involved announcing the upcoming retirement of Katie Willer, the director of elementary schools. Special recognition was given to members of the community and school district staff, including linemen, local officials, the Sheriff's department, police chiefs, the police jury, DOTD, meteorologist Jared Floyd, and the maintenance and warehouse departments led by Todd Leonard and Sam Johnson, respectively, for their efforts during a recent storm. The board also recognized Sam Johnson and Jason Ambrose for their dedication. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2025, which resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion with no findings in the single audit component regarding Child Nutrition Programs. The report highlighted the financial status of the General Fund, which nearly broke even, and detailed activity in the M Fund and Westile sales tax funds, noting commitments on the M Fund balance and a significant decrease in the Westile fund balance due to construction projects. The School Food Service fund performance and federal grant revenues, including the expiration of the Education Stabilization Grant, were also reviewed. Finally, the board considered a proposal to consolidate and reconfigure Shady Grove, Robinson, and Seways Elementary Schools for the 2026-2027 school year.