BOARD BRIEFS: November Meeting

The Ouachita Parish School Board voted to confirm a letter containing updates to crisis management plans across the Ouachita Parish School District during Tuesday’s regular board meeting.

The letter serves as confirmation that the district, under the direction of Chief of Operations Orlando Freemont, has reviewed and updated the crisis management plan at all 37 of its campuses. The review and updates include but are not limited to risk assessment, response procedures, communications procedures, roles and responsibilities, trainings and drills and proper labeling of cameras.

A copy of the letter, confirmed by the School Board, will be provided to the Louisiana Department of Education. This action complies with ACT 334 of the 2023 Louisiana Legislature.

Property Sale Disbursement

The School Board agreed to disburse funds from a recent property sale during Tuesday’s regular board meeting.

Additionally, proceeds from the sale of any East Side schools and properties, will be split between Districts E, F and G in Eastern Ouachita Parish. Proceeds from the sale of any West Side schools and properties, will be split between Districts A, B, C and D in Western Ouachita Parish.

Special Recognitions

Ouachita Parish Schools recognized for exceptional accounting practices

The School Board recognized the Ouachita Parish School District’s business department for receiving two prestigious awards for the 37th consecutive year. The business department received the ASBO Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting and the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

Both awards were earned for the district’s exemplary Annual Comprehensive Financial Reporting for the 2024 fiscal year, a report that is meticulously created and formatted by the district’s business department, led by Chief Financial Officer Regina Mekus.

New Teachers of the Year

The School Board recognized three teachers with less than one year of full-time experience who will represent the district in the upcoming state awards competition:

·         Jade Carroll, Riverbend Elementary

·         Amber Walsworth, East Ouachita Middle

·         Aaron Josey, West Ouachita High

Bid Item                                                                      Funding Source                 Budget Amount
Lenwil Cafeteria Renovations                                      WOST                                    $2,300,000
Small Group Intervention Classroom Furniture        Title I                                     $80,000
 

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

Bid Item                                                                      Funding Source                 Budget Amount
SES Playground Equipment                                          Timber/PTO                         $85,000
WOHS Roof Replacement                                             M&O                                     $675,000
Kiroli Roof Replacement                                               M&O                                     $375,000
Online Marketplace                                                       Various                                 Various