BOARD BRIEFS: September Meeting

The Ouachita Parish School Board entered executive session to discuss potential litigation related to liquidated damages associated with the construction of Sterlington Middle School during Tuesday’s regular board meeting.

After returning from executive session, the School Board tabled the item from the agenda.

Policy Updates

The School Board approved updates to the following policies: IFA (parental review of instructional materials), IFBGA (internet and cell phone safety), JBD (absences), JCDAF (bullying and hazing), JDE (expulsion), JGCE (mandatory reporting) and JGCF (mental health).

The Ouachita Parish School System policy manual is available at opsb.net.

2025-2026 Operating Budget

The School Board approved the district’s operating budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The fiscal year began on July 1. The budget is available at opsb.net.

Stipend Payments Approved

The School Board approved the distribution of pay stipends for teachers and support staff provided by the Louisiana Legislature. Teachers in the Ouachita Parish School System will receive a $2,000 supplement, while support workers will receive $1,000. The stipends will be distributed in October.

Disbursement of Sale Funds

The School Board agreed to disburse proceeds from the sale of the old Sterlington Middle building to the Eastern Ouachita Parish taxing districts. The three districts on the east side will each receive $400,000.

The Riverview Cattle Company purchased the property for $1.2 million.

Activity Trips

The School Board increased the pay rate for activity trips. Bus drivers who transport students on school-sanctioned activity trips will be paid $25 an hour for the first eight hours and $50 an hour if the trip exceeds eight hours.

Ag Substitute Funding

The School Board approved alternative funding for substitute teachers for ag teachers who chaperone students on co-curricular trips with students. The school system will reimburse schools for the cost of substitutes.

Cooperative Endeavor Agreement

The School Board approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Union Parish School Board to purchase seven school buses for $70,000. Each bus is equipped with cameras and air conditioning.  

Special Recognitions

The School Board recognized Marquita Bowman and the JAG program at Richwood Middle, which received a National JAG 5 of 5 award. The award measures growth in students’ academics and promotion to the next grade, while decreasing the number of absences, suspensions, and removing hurdles in the way of student success.

Bowman, a 13-year JAG Specialist, teaches her students leadership through the JAG Career Association. Her students learn through career exploration and guest speakers about their career aspirations. Her students also participate in 17 hours or more of service-learning activities helping their community, especially Veterans, and volunteering at the local food bank.

Bid Item                                                                      Funding Source                 Budget Amount
WMHS Training Room Equipment                              WOST                                    $60,000
 

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

Bid Item                                                                      Funding Source                 Budget Amount