The Vernon Parish School Board met on Tuesday, May 7, at 10 a.m. in the Central Office meeting room on Belview Road in Leesville.
The first order of business was adopting new millage rates for tax year 2024. Finance Director Tim Ward told Board members this was a re-assessment year for the School Board, but no increases are planned. Ward noted rates had decreased. Most of these funds are for maintenance and debt servicing.
The Board also received bids for janitorial and cafeteria cleaning supplies. They will review and accept the lowest bids. Ward did point out that janitorial supplies had decreased somewhat in costs. The low bid on bread and rolls was awarded to Flowers Baking of Lafayette. It was a lower bid than last year’s. The milk/juice bid from Mid-State Marketing/Borden in Alexandria was the only bid received.
During the last two VPSB meetings, Board members and school principals have been recognizing students from middle schools and high schools who have participated in state level competitions academically or athletically and finished in the top 6 in the process. Some 180 students were recognized from across Vernon Parish at the meeting.
The School Board recognized the May Employee of the Month. Rodney Taylor with Taylor and Sons Insurance presented the award to Sheri Sinclair, cafeteria manager at Leesville High School. Lisa Haymon, Principal at Leesville High spoke about Ms. Sinclair’s kindness to all and thoughtfulness in making sure no one goes hungry at LHS.
Finance Director Tim Ward came back and gave the Board the latest on system finances. There was a decrease in Federal Title III funding of $5,000, but overall federal and state revenue to the Board has increased slightly. The lunch fund costs are up nearly $500,000, but there was an excess in the General Operating budget to help out with that cost increase. Ward said Vernon Parish will see an additional MFP funding of $59,000.
The Vernon Parish School Board will hold its next meeting on Thursday, June 6, at 10 a.m.
