The Vernon Parish School Board met at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 7, at the School Board office on Belview Road in Leesville.

The first order of business was the passing of a resolution recognizing the execution of the Bond Purchase Agreement for the issuance and sale of $7 million of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024, of Ward 7 (Rosepine) Ward-Wide School District of Vernon Parish. Finance Director Tim Ward said the bonds were sold quickly.

Ward also asked the Board for a motion to advertise for copy paper for the district. Three years ago, the Board ordered 5000 cases of copy paper. This year, 1680 cases are needed, amounting to a savings of $123,000 a year to the Board. Ward gave the Board an overview from the MFP Task Force’s recent meeting. There are four levels of funding in the MFP. Level One (state) is the main source of funding to the School Board. Base funding for the MFP, at the state level, is unchanged over the last 20 years. The cost to the Board per student per year ranges from $4,000 to $9,000. Cuts to MFP funding are anticipated in September.

Leesville Mayor Rick Allen and Ms. Avon Knowlton, representing the Louisiana Armed Forces Military Alliance, presented the School Board a check in the amount of $24,666. Upon accepting the check, Superintendent James Williams said the money would help offset rising costs in curriculum and operating expenses.

District One Board Member Jackie Self gave a report on a recent Curriculum Committee meeting and reminded Board members that spring testing is ongoing through the rest of the school year. He said funding concerns are critical, and the committee did discuss a four-day school week. No recommendations or motions were made by the committee.

Superintendent Williams reminded all in attendance that today is a half day for all Vernon Parish students.

The Board will meet next on Tuesday, March 12, at 10 a.m.