PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024

The School Board of the Parish of Concordia, State of Louisiana, met in Special Session at the Media Center, Superintendent Bachus’ office, in Vidalia, Louisiana, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.  The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Lisette Forman, President.  After prayer and the Pledge, President Forman declared that the Board was ready for the transaction of business.

Board members present were Mr. Wayne Wilson, Mr. Fred Marsalis, Sr., Mr. Derrick Carson, Mrs. Lisette Forman, Mrs. Angela Hayes, Mrs. Vanessa Houck, and Mr. Fred Butcher.  Mrs. Dorothy Parker arrived at 5:41 PM.

Absent were Mr. Matt Taunton and Mrs. Vanessa Houck.

Mr. Tom O’Neal led the discussion on the general fund budget, explaining revenue sources, anticipated expenditures and fund deficits.  Superintendent Bachus then went over the budget section by section and asked that each committee prioritize the projects within their area that they wanted to be included in next year’s budget.  This information will be made available to the superintendent at a later date.

Superintendent Bachus along with Mr. O’Neal reported on the possible support staff payroll increase.  Their example showed what the result of a 5% increase would have on the financial position of the school district.  No action was taken.

Mr. Carson opened discussion on the hiring of a project manager for the upcoming Ferriday High School renovations project.  He indicated that he thought it would have been helpful if we had engaged the services of a project manager at the beginning of the Monterey gymnasium project, instead of later as the project was underway.  It was noted that such a proposal had been requested from Bryant Hammett & Associates.  Mr. Carson indicated that he would like to see the board authorize the superintendent to discuss an agreement with the firm and that any such agreement be reviewed by a member of our legal staff before becoming final.   Mr. Carson indicated that in moving the project forward that he thought the engagement of a project manager to be imperative.  It was moved by Mr. Butcher and seconded by Mrs. Parker to engage the services of a project manager for the project.  President Forman requested a roll call vote.

Mr. Butcher – yea

            Mrs. Parker – yea

            Mr. Marsalis, Sr., - yea

            Mr. Carson – yea

            Mrs. Hayes – yea

            Mrs. Forman – nay

Mr. Wilson – yea

The vote was 6 yeas, 1 nay, no abstentions and 2 absences.

It was noted that this project would not be ESSER funded, but that funding would be on a district level along with any such alternate funding that may become available.

There being no further business it was moved by Mr. Butcher, seconded by Mr. Marsalis and unanimously carried to adjourn.  The time was 6:58 PM.