October 7, 2025
Present: Toyua Bachus, Samantha Fielder, William Marsalis, Sr., Angela Hayes, and Jessica Carter
The Educational Policy Committee Meeting focused on updates to the Pupil Progression Plan. Jessica Carter detailed clarifications on transfer credits, dual enrollment grades, and honors banquet criteria. New provisions include exemptions from final exams for students scoring mastery/advanced on LEAP assessments, subject to teacher discretion. Additionally, the 10-point grading scale mandated by the Louisiana DOE for the 2024-2025 school year was highlighted. Personnel announcements included new hires, resignations, and leaves. The discussion also covered proposed salary adjustments for maintenance/transportation supervisors, aiming to align job descriptions with current responsibilities and improve financial sustainability.
● [ 1] Look into taking a deep look into the teacher pay increase process to make it more transparent and equitable.
● [ 2] Announce at the board meeting that the district will review the teacher pay increase process. We discussed the impact it will have on teachers letting them know we hear them.
● Dual enrollment grades are calculated with a 5% grade weighting for AP courses, and colleges provide letter grades converted to numeric values.
● The 10-point grading scale implementation, mandated by the Louisiana Department of Education, is introduced.
● New proposals include exemptions from final exams for students achieving mastery or advanced on LEAP assessments, decided by teacher discretion.
● Personnel announcements include new hires, resignations, and leaves of absence affecting various schools and departments.
● Mrs. Fielder provides details on new hires and resignations, highlighting specific dates and positions.
● Discussions on temporary replacements and interim solutions for vacancies, particularly in nursing positions.
● Discussed the current pay scale and evaluation process.
● The historical context of the pay scale, established in 2012, and its limitations and benefits are discussed.
● The impact of COVID-19 on evaluations and the potential for unfair treatment of teachers with one poor evaluation year.
● Proposed improvements to the pay scale, including regular annual increases and a more transparent process.
Date: October 6, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Central Office
Present:
Toyua Bachus, Patricia Session, Lisette Foreman, Fred Butcher, Tom O’Neal, and Jessica Carter
● Secondary Education Director Jessica Carter explained updates to the Pupil Progression process, including clarifications on high school transcripts, transfer credits, and AP/Dual Enrollment grades.
● She detailed how Carnegie units earned out of state would be applied to high school transcripts.
● The committee discussed grading scale adjustments and final exam exemptions for the 2025–2026 school year.
● Jessica Carter clarified that students may be exempt from final exams if they achieve Mastery or Advanced scores.
● Teachers maintain discretion to require exams even if students qualify for exemption.
● Patricia Session explained how each school’s unobligated balance is calculated and emphasized the importance of accurate financial reporting.
● The committee discussed discrepancies in account balances and the need for follow-up with school-level staff.
● Patricia Session shared that a new financial management program is being used, but some employees have struggled with proper implementation.
● She raised concerns that misuse of the system could affect the district’s fiscal year evaluation and recommended targeted training for new employees.
● Superintendent Bachus discussed ongoing fundraising efforts for a district project involving an elevator installation and drainage improvements.
● The committee reviewed the design and cost of a new school sign planned for installation at the campus entrance.
● Superintendent Bachus provided updates on differentiated compensation funds for highly effective teachers.
● The committee noted that the district board must approve the compensation plan before stipends are distributed.
● Superintendent Bachus recommended updates to the maintenance/transportation job descriptions and salary ranges to better reflect current duties.
● She proposed adjusting the Transportation Supervisor role and pay scale to align with reduced responsibilities under a third-party management company.
● The committee discussed potentially converting one supervisory position to a Coordinator/Transportation Liaison role.
● Approval from the board will be required before any reclassification or advertisement of the position.
● Review and approve the updated Pupil Progression Policy.
● Finalize the design and implementation plan for the new school sign.
● Follow up with schools on discrepancies in account balances.
● Submit the fiscal year-end report to the state.
● Implement the differentiated compensation plan for eligible staff.
Building & Grounds Committee
Date: October 7, 2025
Location: Central Office
Time: 5:00
● Tom O’Neal
● Derrick Carson
● James White
● Toyua Bachus
● Matt Taunton
● The committee reviewed the updated Pupil Progression Document, including:
○ Clarifications on transfer credits, Carnegie units, and junior high courses for high school credit.
○ Newocedures for calculating l enrollment and AP grades, including a 5% weighting.
○ Updates include a detailed “cheat sheet” and page-by-page changes.
● It was noted that the Pupil Progression Plan is reviewed annually by a committee of teachers, administrators, and board members.
● The Louisiana-mandated 10-point grading scale will be implemented beginning 2025–2026; past grades will not be adjusted retroactively.
● Clarification was given that students scoring Mastery or Advanced on LEAP may be exempt from final exams at the teacher's discretion.
● Concerns were raised regarding communication difficulties between dual enrollment students and college professors.
● It was recommended that these concerns be addressed in future MOU negotiations with partnering institutions.
● The issue of minor students being under “custody and control” while enrolled in dual credit programs was also discussed for inclusion in future agreements.
● Significant ceiling issues in the Ferriday Junior High cafeteria were discussed following health department concerns.
○ The ceiling tiles are falling due to leaks.
○ Fire suppression and alarm systems must be relocated before full replacement can occur.
○ Asbestos-related cleanup challenges were also noted.
● Air conditioning systems are underperforming. A test run of the HVAC system is needed before the heat season begins.
● Several emergency lights and exit signs are outdated or non-functional across various schools.
○ Some exit signs are antiques and no longer meet code.
○ Replacements are ongoing, but additional work is needed for compliance.
● The school system lacks funding to purchase commercial dryers needed for school operations.
○ A commercial dryer costs approximately $1,399.
○ One washer was recently purchased, but dryers remain a need.
● Emergency lighting and safety signage were highlighted as continued priorities amid limited resources.
● Ongoing roof leaks at Ferriday Lower Elementary were reported. Despite prior reconstruction, problems persist.
● Walkway roof conditions at Vidalia Upper and Ferriday Lower also require assessment for future planning.
● Cafeteria Ceiling Repairs: Explore full replacement of the ceiling system at Fair Day Junior High and address underlying leaks.
● Dual Enrollment Communication: Include concerns about professor-student communication and custody issues in the next MOU negotiation with colleges.
● HVAC Testing: Coordinate with service providers for a test run of heating systems before the cold season.