PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025

The School Board of the Parish of Concordia, State of Louisiana, met in Regular Session at the Media Center, 508 John Dale Dr., Ste B, Vidalia, Louisiana, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Board President Lisette Forman.  Following the prayer and pledge, President Forman declared that the Board was ready for the transaction of business.  She noted that comment cards were available on the table with the agendas.  She explained that if anyone wanted to make a comment regarding an action item on the agenda, they should fill out a comment card and bring to the table where the board members were seated and they would be acknowledged when the item they were interested in came up.

Board members present were Mrs. Lisette Forman, Mr. Fred Butcher, Mr. Fred Marsalis, Mrs. Vanessa Houck, Mr. Derrick Carson, Mrs. Angela Hayes, Mrs. Dorothy Parker, and Mr. Matt Taunton.  Mr. Wayne Wilson was absent.

Paige Pirkey with the LSU AgCenter introduced 4-H students Woodruff Cavin and Peyten Tarver, who spoke about their leadership roles in the Northeast Louisiana 4-H program and the benefits of 4-H for students.

Superintendent Bachus recognized JAG Specialists Jasmine Schiele-Emery at Ferriday High School and Dara Shirley at Vidalia High School, who received awards in July at the Jobs for Graduates National Awards Ceremony for their outstanding programs.  Myesha Moore at Ferriday Junior High School was also recognized, having received an award as a Peak Performer at the National Conference.

Superintendent Bachus then recognized the recipients of the Sidney A. Murray Citizenship Award in Grades 9 through 12 in the Concordia Parish School System for the 2025-26 school year.  The awards are presented to students who contribute to their classes, schools, and communities; and, who exhibit behaviors and attitudes that all good citizens should possess. The award bears the name of Sidney A. Murray, Jr., who was an excellent example of a good citizen who made a difference in the lives of so many in the community.

Cecilia Stevens with LSU AgCenter recognized our Farm to School (F2S) district team with an award for their efforts in bringing community gardens to the schools and promoting nutritious foods that the students grew themselves.

The committee reports were given next.  The Educational Policy report was given by Mrs. Parker, the Finance Committee report was given by Mrs. Forman, and the Building & Grounds Committee report was given by Mr. Carson.

It was moved by Mrs. Parker, seconded by Mr. Marsalis and unanimously carried to approve the minutes from the September 11, 2025, meeting.

It was moved by Mrs. Parker, seconded by Mrs. Hayes and unanimously carried to approve the invoices in the amount of $5,061,310 for the month of September 2025 as presented by Mrs. Patricia Sessions. 

Superintendent Bachus presented the Personnel Report in Mrs. Rhonda Moore’s absence.  The report was available in the board members’ folders.

Concordia Parish School Board Regular Meeting

Educational Policy Committee Meeting

Personnel Announcements

October 9, 2025

Appointments:

Catasha Brown, Teacher, Vidalia Junior High, effective September 2, 2025.

Neomia Branson, Teacher, Ferriday High School, effective September 30, 2025.

Dezanique Credit, Paraprofessional, Ferriday Lower Elementary, effective September 30, 2025.

Melissa Harris, SFS Technician, Monterey High School, effective September 30, 2025.

Tanjia O’Steen, SFS Manager, Monterey High School, effective September 30, 2025.

Janice White, SFS Technician, Ferriday High School, effective September 30, 2025.

Resignations:

Carolyn Dixon, Teacher, Ferriday High School, effective September 15, 2025.

Lacee Holland, EL Paraprofessional, Vidalia Upper Elementary, effective September 30, 2025.

Leaves:

Gwen Taylor, Custodian, Vidalia High School,  FMLA, effective September 4, 2025, through December 1, 2025.

Bailee Maier, Bookkeeper, Business Department, maternity leave, effective October 2, 2025, through November 17, 2025.

Amanda Freeman, Teacher, Vidalia Lower Elementary, maternity leave, effective September 30, 2025, through November 26, 2025.

Anna Lawrence, Teacher, Concordia Parish Academy, maternity leave, effective September, 17, 2025-December 2, 2025.

Parmer Brown, Teacher, Ferriday High School, FMLA/ Extended Medical Leave, effective September 8, 2025, through October 13, 2025.

Transfers:

Quantrell Green, Teacher, Concordia Education Center to Ferriday High School, effective September 15, 2025.

It was moved by Mr. Butcher, seconded by Mrs. Hayes and unanimously carried to approve the Maintenance Coordinator job description.

It was moved by Mr. Butcher, seconded by Mr. Marsalis and unanimously carried to approve the 2025-26 Pupil Progression Plan.

It was moved by Mrs. Houck, seconded by Mr. Taunton and unanimously carried to approve the differentiated compensation.

Keith Capdepon and Brant Jones, with Bryant Hammett & Associates, updated the board on the condition of the Ferriday High School football field.  With the LHSAA determining that the field is unfit for play, Mr. Carson suggested that all remaining home games be played within the parish. Superintendent Bachus indicated that she agreed with Mr. Carson’s suggestion.  The engineers informed the board that as a temporary measure, considerations were being given to seeding the field’s bare spots with rye grass.  Mr. Taunton asked if hydra seeding might be a possibility.  Capdepon indicated that the process might also be a consideration for a temporary solution.  Mr. Butcher noted that the board needed to hear from the contractor who worked on the field.  President Forman asked that a plan be formulated for the field’s repair.

During a discussion of a dryer fire at Vidalia High School, it was indicated that a number of jerseys had been damaged.  After referenced discussion, it was moved by Mr. Butcher, seconded by Mr. Marsalis and unanimously carried that the damaged jerseys be replaced and that the payment for the dryer repair be paid.

Mr. Butcher asked to combine Items G, “Review the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Those Participating in Extracurricular Activities,” and Item H, “Review the Ferriday High School Project.”  Mr. O’Neal gave an update on the FHS project:

·         The asbestos has been eradicated so we should be seeing some progress soon.

·         We should have the flooring in the library replaced within the next 10 days.

·         The concrete has been broken up in preparation of the new sidewalks and for a required elevator pit. 

·         Engraved pavers within the sidewalks have been discussed and are the desire of the committee.  The cost of the installation and engraving may prove to be somewhat prohibitive, so the committee has requested an alternate estimate for utilizing a concrete stamping process instead.

·         Although two of the poles remain in place, the installation of the new power lines has been completed.

·         The water lines were approved last week.  We are trying to have the work done during the Thanksgiving break. 

·         The new school sign has also been discussed with the concern being centered on its location in relationship to the repaving of the parking lot.

·         The plans call for two fabric awnings with student seating to be provided for between the main educational building and the (new) facility located directly behind.  It was noted that because the space was somewhat limited, only one of the awnings would be placed in that location.  Consideration for the second awning to be located in the rear of the cafeteria and adjacent to the field house and 9^th Grade Academy has been discussed, but the location of the trash dumpsters may prohibit that location as well.

Mr. Carson addressed the next item pertaining to a code of conduct.  This will include representing the school after school hours as well as during school hours.  Mrs. Bachus stated that every school has their own code of conduct.  We are going to pilot a code of conduct at Ferriday H. S. for the rest of the year.

Mr. Carson stated that Monterey High School and Vidalia High School use game officials from the same association, but Ferriday High School gets their officials from a different association.  He asked that Superintendent Bachus look into this and see about all schools using the same association.

Superintendent’s Announcements:

Superintendent Bachus invited each principal in attendance to tell what’s going on at their school.  Those present were Melodie Bell, CPA; Darylana Johnson, FLE; Charles Anderson, CEC; Elsa Carter, FJH; Ricky Collins, FFA; Iyna Barnes, FHS; Kalandra Loyd, VLE; Allison Jowers, VHS; and Melissa Doughty, MHS.

Superintendent Bachus noted that October is Principals Month and told the principals, “Thank you for what you do.”

There was no executive session.

There being no further business, it was moved by Mr. Taunton, seconded by Mr. Carson, and unanimously carried to adjourn.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 PM. 

Upon adjournment, it was stated by a member of the public that he did not believe a vote was taken on the matter of replacing the damaged football jerseys for Vidalia High School.  President Forman indicated that although she had reservations, out of an abundance of caution that she would revisit that motion.  Upon request, Mr. Taunton rescinded his motion to adjourn.  With the adjournment motion rescinded, the President asked for a call on the motion as originally brought by Mr. Butcher and seconded by Mr. Marsalis to replace the jerseys that were damaged in the dryer fire at Vidalia High School and to pay for the repairs to the dryer.  The requested motion was carried unanimously.

It was moved by Mr. Taunton, seconded by Mrs. Hayes and unanimously carried to adjourn.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:31 PM.

**(Upon review of the tape recording of the meeting, it was determined that a proper call on the referenced motion had been made and it had been approved unanimously.)