BOARD BRIEFS: December Meeting

The Ouachita Parish School Board received an academic accountability report during Tuesday’s regular board meeting. The report outlined the school performance scores from the Louisiana Department of Education for the 2024-2025 school year.  

The Ouachita Parish School System had eight “A” rated schools, no failing schools and outperformed the average state performance score for the 26th consecutive year. In addition, 15 schools were recognized as Top Gains Honorees for demonstrating exceptional student progress and ensuring students meet or exceed their learning goals for the year.

Shady Grove Elementary made the highest improvement on its school performance school in the state.

 “A” Rated Schools

• Boley Elementary
• Drew Elementary
• George Welch Elementary
• Good Hope Middle
• West Ridge Middle
• Sterlington High
• West Ouachita High
• West Monroe High

Top Gains Honorees

• Boley Elementary
• Calhoun Elementary
• Central Elementary
• Claiborne Elementary
• Drew Elementary
• George Welch Elementary
• Kiroli Elementary
• Sterlington Elementary
• Woodlawn Elementary
• Pinecrest Elementary/Middle
• Good Hope Middle
• West Ridge Middle
• Woodlawn Middle
• Sterlington High
• West Ouachita High

Security Enhancements

The School Board agreed to partner with Open Gate to provide security detection systems to schools. The Board will purchase 40 units and 20 wand systems for weapon and vape detection at all middle and high schools. The $700,000 cost will be funded by the Capital Improvement Fund in Maintenance and Operations.

Transfer Endeavor Agreement

The School Board agreed to transfer the cooperative endeavor agreement between the System and Town & Country Service Co to Magnolia Water and Utility Operating Co. The service area for Town & Country, who is being purchased by Magnolia Water, covers Jack Hayes Elementary.

WOHS Softball Lights

The School Board approved the purchase of new stadium lights for the softball field at West Ouachita High. The purchase will go out to bid at the next board meeting.

Special Recognitions

Superintendent’s Christmas Card

The School Board recognized winners of the 2025 Superintendent’s Christmas Card Art Contest. Four winners were chosen from the categories of kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade and ninth through 12th grade:

• Rhiyan Turner, second grade, Swartz Lower Elementary
• Harper Davis, fifth grade, Kiroli Elementary
• Conner Reitzell, sixth grade, Sterlington Middle
• Caylen Meeks, ninth grade, West Ouachita High

General Counsel 

The School Board recognized outgoing attorney Elmer G. Noah of Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins LLP for his 31 years of service as the general counsel for the Ouachita Parish School System. Noah is moving off counsel and will assist the System as needed.  

Attorney Thomas M. Hayes IV of Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins LLP will now serve as general counsel for the System.   

Executive Session

The School Board entered executive session to consider an appeal regarding the expulsion of a student. The expulsion was upheld.

Bid Item                                                                      Funding Source                 Budget Amount
Band Instruments                                                          Various                                  $120,000


 

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

Bid Item                                                                      Funding Source                 Budget Amount
Copy Paper                                                                      Various                                  Various
Property Sale – 3420 Gordon Ave.                                                                             $9,950
Dish Machine Rental and Chemicals                          CNP Funds                            $175,000
Property Sale – Mineral Springs                                                                                 $68,000