The Vernon Parish School Board met Thursday, September 5, at 10 a.m. in the Board room of the administrative offices on Belview Road.

Board members voted to advertise for bid on propane for school in Evans, Hicks and Simpson.

Ms. Karen Robertson introduced Hicks Principal, Ms. Jennifer Wilbanks, who was recently named one of three finalists for Louisiana State Principal of the Year.  That process began last November with hundreds of principals statewide being considered.  Those were pared down to 24 semi-finalists, and Wilbanks made the cut to the final nine. The three finalists were announced at the July State Education Conference in Baton Rouge.

Personnel Director Joey Bartz updated Board members on policy changes to requirements for being a Board member, sick leave donations, corporal punishment, immunizations and medicine dispensing by school nurses.  Those changes will be placed on the agenda for the Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 10.  Bartz also had the Board members place on the agenda vacancies for two teachers and an assistant principal at Leesville High.

Finance Committee chairman, Vernon Travis, reported the state-approved stipends of $1000 for support personnel and $2000 for certified teachers will be payable in October.  Travis also reported sales tax revenue was down by 15%.  The Board added a budget resolution to the next meeting’s agenda.

Finance Director Tim Ward updated the progress on the Rosepine bond issue.  The low bid was accepted August 6 for work on the new Rosepine cafeteria and a roof at the elementary school.  Pat Williams Construction of Leesville was the low bidder.  Work will begin in 60-90 days.

The next meeting of the Vernon School Board is Tuesday, September 10, at 10 a.m.  The VPSB Central Office is located on Belview Road in Leesville.