BOARD BRIEFS: April Board Meeting

The Ouachita Parish School Board approved the naming of the Richwood High School gymnasium after outgoing boys basketball coach Terry Martin during Tuesday’s regular board meeting.

Martin, who is retiring in May, compiled an overall record of 750-235 as a high-school coach. In 25 years at Richwood High, Martin led the Rams to four state championships, two runner-up finishes, 10 appearances in the LHSAA State Tournament and 12 district championships.

Utility and Temporary Construction

The School Board approved the donation of a utility servitude and temporary construction servitude to the West Ouachita Sewer District for repair work. The repair work is located along Washington Street, which is adjacent to Riser Middle and Riser Elementary.

Executive Session

The School Board entered executive session to discuss potential litigation against Ouachita Parish Schools. While in executive session, the Board agreed to follow the advice of legal counsel.

Personnel Report

Annie Pitman was named the new principal at Woodlawn Elementary. Pittman previously served as assistant principal at Woodlawn Elementary.

Chantay Johnson was named the new principal at Sterlington Middle. Johnson previously served as an assistant principal at Sterlington Middle.

Ouachita Parish Schools has opened principal positions at the following schools:

·         Kiroli Elementary

Ouachita Parish Schools has opened assistant principal positions at the following schools:

·         Claiborne Elementary

·         Woodlawn Elementary

·         Good Hope Middle

·         Good Hope Middle

·         Sterlington Middle

Special Recognitions

The School Board recognized the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) for the 2025-2026 school year.

The SSAC is made up of members from each high school who meet with Superintendent Todd Guice throughout the year to engage in community service and provide feedback on ways to improve student experiences.

·         Kaylea Brown, Ouachita High

·         Harley Wroten, Ouachita High

·         Kierrani Eury, Richwood High

·         Jaiden Woodard, Richwood High

·         Cameron Johnson, Sterlington High

·         Andie Claire Woodhead, Sterlington High

·         Alexandra Nix, West Monroe High

·         Jacob Borden, West Ouachita High

·         Amberlynn Kennedy, West Ouachita High

Bid Item                                                                      Funding Source                 Budget Amount
EOMS Multipurpose Building                                       ES Bond                                $2,500,000
RHS Football Turf Replacement                                   ES Bond                                $950,000                               
Swartz Lower Window Replacement                          ES Bond                                $390,000
Property Sale – Burks School                                        
WMHS Riggs St. Parking Lot                                          WOST                                   $1,100,000
Lenwil Restroom Renovations                                      WOST                                   $395,000
WOHS Media Room Furnishings                                  La. Dept. of Treasury         $140,000                                         
Band Instruments                                                           La. Dept. of Treasury         $75,000

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

Bid Item                                                                      Funding Source                 Budget Amount
Property Sale – Burks School                                       
Professional services related to Winter Storm Fern
Copy Paper Bid                                                               Various                               Various
Band Instruction Bid                                                      La. Dept. of Treasury          $75,000