Educational Policy Committee Meeting Notes
Date: June 9, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM
Attendees: Rhonda Moore, Toyua Bachus, Fred Marsalis, Angela Hayes, Dorothy Parker
The committee held a preliminary discussion on enhancing the personnel application process. The team agreed that the current procedures need to be streamlined to ensure that no candidates “fall through the cracks.” More in-depth review and proposed process adjustments will be addressed in future meetings.
Superintendent Toyua Watson-Bachus presented the proposed job description for the Assistive Technology Specialist position. She highlighted the role’s significance in supporting students with special needs through the integration of technology. This is not a new position. This is changing this to a 10-month employee position.
· The role will be full-time, funded through the special education budget, and will include benefits and eligibility bonuses.
· The salary will be competitive but will not exceed the pay scale of a paraprofessional by 25%, to maintain fiscal balance.
· Key responsibilities include providing support for adaptive technologies, facilitating training for staff, and enhancing communication tools for students with disabilities.
Superintendent Bachus addressed common misconceptions about department-level budgets and clarified that all spending must align with the district’s overall financial plan.
· She outlined ongoing federal budget cuts and stressed the importance of conservative and strategic planning due to uncertainties in future funding.
The group discussed how legislative changes could further impact school funding, reinforcing the need for proactive financial decision-making.
· Last year, we shared that we would be gradually improving the salaries of support staff. The superintendent shared that this year, she cannot recommend a raise with so many uncertainties. The Superintendent is recommending that the board give her permission to work with the financial department to recommend a one-time pay increase in the form of a stipend instead of a permanent salary increase.
Superintendent Bachus shared the revised Drug Testing Policy for student-athletes that was approved 2024:
· Random drug testing will now occur throughout the athletic season, replacing the former policy of testing only once before the first game.
· The updated process includes the completion of a specimen custody and control form and allows for third-party testing to ensure transparency and accuracy.
· The policy aligns with LHSAA regulations, and Toyua Bachus emphasized the importance of consistency and fairness across all school sites in implementing the policy.
· It is to be noted that coaches where a part of the creation of this as evidenced by the agenda and sign in sheet.
Finance Committee Meeting Notes
Date: June 9, 2025
Participants: Vanessa Houck, Lisette Foreman, Fred Butcher, Tom O'Neal, Patricia Session
Superintendent Bachus participated remotely.
Topics Discussed:
1. Financial Statements
Mrs. Patricia Session presented the financial statements for the month of May. She noted that expenditures were higher than usual due to the issuance of May bonuses.
2. Consolidated Budget Revisions
Consolidated budget revisions were shared with the committee and will be presented to the full board for approval.
3. Program Budgets
Mr. Tom O'Neal informed the committee that program-specific budgets are currently being calculated and will be shared in upcoming sessions.
4. Vehicle Insurance Update
Mr. O'Neal provided an update regarding a recent vehicle accident. The insurance company has offered approximately $5,000 in total compensation, which includes coverage for wrecker fees. The committee agreed that this settlement is fair.
5. Ferriday High School Project
The FHS project was briefly discussed. Additional details and updates will be provided in future committee meetings.
6. Legislative Update – 2000/1000 Pay Supplement
Superintendent Bachus reported that the 2000/1000 supplement was successfully renewed through legislation.
7. Support Staff Compensation
Superintendent Bachus also shared that she recently met with representatives of the district’s support staff, who are requesting salary increases. Although the board agreed last year to revisit this issue in 2025, the Superintendent recommended a more cautious approach given current uncertainties surrounding the federal education budget.
She proposed providing a one-time stipend to support staff in the spring, to coincide with the distribution of the 2000/1000 supplement, rather than committing to permanent salary increases at this time.
Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting Summary
Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Attendees: Joseph Smith, Coach Johnson, Allison Jowers, Toyua Watson-Bachus, Wayne Wilson, Matt Taunton, Derrick Carson, Arte Goode
The Buildings & Grounds (B&G) Committee convened to review ongoing facility needs, field conditions, upcoming projects, and district-wide budget practices. The meeting opened with a report on the condition of the athletic fields and concluded with a discussion on consistent budgeting and communication protocols.
● Mr. Arte Goode reported gradual improvement of field conditions but emphasized that they are not ready for high-impact activities.
● The committee unanimously agreed to restrict field use until August 31, prioritizing proper irrigation to prevent grass damage during expected dry periods.
● A request from a coach to host a 7-on-7 tournament was discussed. The committee reaffirmed that all field use must go through proper channels, including principal and maintenance consultation.
● Ms. Watson-Bachus and Mr. Carson emphasized the importance of principals being the first point of contact for coaches requesting facility access to avoid any instances of miscommunication. It is to be noted both head football coaches were invited but VHS coach wasn’t able to attend due to a camp.
● Allison Jowers confirmed that her staff had been instructed to avoid field use, clarifying miscommunication that led to the recent board inquiry.
● Wayne Wilson and Arte Goode recommended using a growth regulator once the field has matured.
● Arte will conduct a full assessment of the practice fields and coordinate with Carson on irrigation needs and maintenance.
● Window Painting: Ms. Watson-Bachus updated the team on progress and will provide a quote for district-wide completion.
● Gymnasium AC: Will look into VJH gym. Needs for air conditioning at Freshman Academy were also raised.
● Florida Street Gym Lease: Will become an extension of FHS and thus will need to have security measures in place.
● Practice Field Lighting: Ongoing discussions with Entergy continue for new lighting at Ferriday High's practice fields. Security lighting was suggested as a more cost-effective option.
● Ms. Watson-Bachus stressed the need for a unified budget mindset across departments to prevent miscommunication and ensure equitable distribution of funds.
● She also addressed concerns related to support staff salary adjustments, highlighting the need for a systematic approach. Last year, we discussed coming back to the table again, however with the current changes in legislation and budgeting the Superintendent proposes a one time salary increase for support personnel in lieu of a permanent raise. Board Member Wayne Wilson cautioned the committee that we may need to hold onto money during these times.
● Derrick Carson: Follow up with Mr. Arte Goode on the condition and readiness of practice fields.
● Toyua Watson-Bachus: Provide a quote for the district-wide window painting initiative.
● Toyua Watson-Bachus: Verify the project status for the Vidalia Upper Gymnasium roofing. Will get update
● Toyua Watson-Bachus: Confirm that the AC units at Vidalia Junior High Gym are operational as no work request was submitted.
● Committee: Coordinate with Entergy to finalize quotes and plans for Ferriday High School's practice field lighting.
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