In its regular July meeting, Ouachita Parish School Board members adopted a resolution recognizing the final form and execution of the Bond Purchase Agreement in connection with the issuance and sale of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2025, of the East Ouachita Parish School district of the Parish of Ouachita, State of Louisiana. The successful bond sale will net $26,254,000+ with a true interest cost of 4.53, delivered July 22^nd to be utilized for East Ouachita schools’ construction and renovations. The bond team recognized that Ouachita Parish School System enjoys lower interest costs and the lowest possible costs to taxpayers due to its excellent bond rating with Standard & Poor’s (AA-). “The School Board’s financial stability is a credit strength supported by management’s ability to produce nearly breakeven results year over year and keeping reserves at its formal policy level of 10-15% of expenditures.”—from Standard & Poor’s reports.

Upon recommendation from the Policy Review Committee, the School Board approved an updated policy EDD (School Bus Scheduling and Routing), which authorizes bus stops and approved loading and unloading locations.

The Board approved a motion from District D member Jerry Hicks to hire TBA Architects for renovations and improvements to the Lenwil Elementary School cafeteria.

Ouachita Parish School System voted in favor of partnering with Ouachita Parish Police Jury to install two caution lights at West Ouachita High School where students cross the street to attend Ag Science classes.

The 2025-2026 Pupil Progression Plan was presented and approved and will be subsequently submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education for approval.

Millage rates for the Constitutional Tax (5.18), Operating and Maintenance Funds (24.15) and East Side Bond millage (36.00) were revisited and adopted with a roll-call vote. These millage rates have not increased since being adopted. The East Side Bond Millage is a standard adoption millage and is not related to the bond issue passed in May by the voters of Eastern Ouachita Parish. As noted in the previous meeting presentation, any increase in tax revenue from the millages reflects an increase in the assessment of property values. Per state law, property values are reassessed every four years.

The School Board granted permission to bid on the following items: Copy Paper, OPHS & SHS Baseball & Softball Field Replacement, Property Sale (3420 Gordon Ave.), WMHS Training Room Furnishings, and Lenwil Elementary Cafeteria renovations/improvements.

Superintendent Guice introduced the new Assistant Principal for Richwood High School, Erica Faust. Additionally, he shared with the Board the recently released spring testing scores. The district saw significant growth and more information will be forthcoming with the release of more aspects in the scores, as well as further clean up of the data.

The next meeting is scheduled for August 12 at noon.

During Monday’s regular board meeting, the Ouachita Parish School Board renewed two ad valorem tax millages and a bond millage for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Millage rates for the Constitutional Tax (5.18), Operating and Maintenance Funds (24.15) and East Side Bond millage (36.00) have not increased since being adopted. The East Side Bond millage is a standard adoption millage and is not related to the bond issue passed in May by the voters of Eastern Ouachita Parish.  

Any increase in tax revenue from the millages reflects an increase in the assessment of property values. Per state law, property values are reassessed every four years.

Millage revenue allows Ouachita Parish Schools to budget for classroom instruction, capital improvements, facility and equipment support, payment of mandated costs and to restore salary reductions for support staff.

The School Board also approved an amendment to the operating budget for the 2024-2025 school year. The amendment ensures the district has accounted for any changes that were not projected in the original budget.

At-Cost Meal Charges

The School Board approved raising the cost of school meals for visitors to $6 for lunch and $4 for breakfast. The increase reflects the cost of meal production and food prices.

Policy Updates

The School Board will consider an update to policy EDD (School Bus Scheduling and Routing), which authorizes bus stops and approved loading and unloading locations. This policy will be voted on at a later date.  

Property Purchase Approved

The School Board agreed to purchase property at 393 Register Street in West Monroe. The Board will approve the contract at a later date before the purchase is final.

Architect of Record Selected  

The School Board selected TBA Studio as the architect of record for the 2025 East Side Bond construction projects. Funds from the bonds, which total $50 million, will be used to fund facility projects and upgrades outlined in the district’s capital improvement plan.

Capital Improvement Plan

·         New elementary school in District E

·         East Ouachita Middle – new multipurpose building

·         Jack Hayes Elementary – new entrance canopy

·         Lakeshore Elementary – office and front entrance renovation

·         Ouachita Junior – track and field renovations

·         Ouachita High – turf for baseball and softball fields

·         Swartz Lower – security upgrades and window replacements

·         Swartz Upper – security and building renovations and painting

·         Sterlington High – classroom and lab expansions, baseball and softball facility renovations, tennis court construction with                      lighting, female athletic fieldhouse

Insurance Renewal

The School Board renewed the district’s insurance policy with Gallagher Insurance. The $2.1 million policy covers property, liability, cyber and crime, equipment and excess worker’s compensation.

Journal of Record Selected

The School Board selected the Ouachita Citizen as the district’s official journal of record.

Special Recognitions

The School Board recognized Colton Brasher of West Monroe High as the district’s High School Student of the Year and a state finalist for Louisiana High School Student of the Year.

Personnel Report

The following administrative appointments were announced:

·         Alvin Fields, Principal, Richwood High

·         Hollie Daniel, Principal, Swartz Lower Elementary

·         Meredith Brown, Assistant Principal, George Welch Elementary

The following administrative positions are open:

·         Assistant Principal, Richwood High

·         Curriculum Coordinator, Swartz Lower Elementary

 

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

Bid Item                                                                      Funding Source                 Budget Amount
Large Cafeteria Equipment                                         CN Equipment Fund            $100,000