BOARD BRIEFS: April 7, 2025

The Ouachita Parish School Board recognized three state-championship teams and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) during Tuesday’s regular board meeting.

The Richwood High boys basketball team, led by longtime head coach Terry Martin, captured the 2025 LHSAA Division III Non-Select state championship. The Rams have won four state titles under Martin’s leadership.

The West Monroe High boys and girls powerlifting teams were also crowned state champions. Under the direction of head coach Obie Sims, West Monroe girls powerlifting won the LHSPLA Division I state title for the fourth consecutive year. West Monroe boys powerlifting, led by head coach Lane Welch, won the LHSPLA Division I title, which was the 21st state championship in program history.

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) is comprised of 10 high-school students that Ouachita Parish Schools Superintendent Todd Guice meets with periodically throughout the school year. These meetings include community service and a discussion of various topics, including feedback on how to improve the school experience for all students.

2024-2025 SSAC Members

Jaheim Jefferson, Ouachita High
Isabella Wood, Ouachita High
Denim Boyd, Richwood High
Sanese Presley, Richwood High
David Roach, Sterlington High
Mallory Talbert, Sterlington High
Mia Jenkins, West Monroe High
Cooper Thornton, West Monroe High
Jace Atchison, West Ouachita High
Emmaline Wink, West Ouachita High

Also recognized for SSAC service in 2023-2024 was Travis Adams, Sterlington High

Policy Change Approved

The School Board approved a policy revision adding smart watches to the list of cell phones and electronic telecommunication devices to comply with state law. The revision also defines a school instructional day as the arrival to school and dismissal at the end of the day.

The revision was approved by BESE in accordance with ACT 313 of the 2024 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session, which prohibits the use of cell phones or other electronic telecommunication devices at any K-12 public school during the instructional day.

Evaluation of Bid Items                        

Surplus Equipment Sale awarded to highest bidder at $3,338.85
Property Sale – Old Myles Property awarded to highest bidder at $250,000                                                                          
WOHS FB Stadium Renovations/Improvements awarded to lowest bidder at $10,360,000                            
Property Sale – Old Sterlington Middle approved to rebid @ 85% appraised value                                                            
Central Elem. Restroom Renovation & Canopy awarded to lowest bidder at $957,500                           

The School Board granted permission to bid on the following item:

Property Sale – Old Sterlington Middle at $1,275,000