The Vernon Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 11, at 10 a.m. in the Board’s Central Office on Belview Road in Leesville.
Business included approving budget amendments relating to personnel changes, accepting employee retirements, leave without pay requests, and approving new Head Start Policies and Procedures.
Ms. Avon Knowlton with the Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance presented the Board with a check for $20,000 in support of their mission to serve all children, especially with so many coming from the military. The donation will be used in curriculum and technology upgrades, including enhancing the Board website to attract teachers and supporting teachers with the latest in technology. LAFA is a partner in education with the Vernon Parish School Board.
Finance Director, Tim Ward, introduced Dr. Gwile Freeman with Pelican Benefits who presented the Employee of the Month award to Ms. Casey Basco of Simpson. Basco is the Attendance Clerk and Secretary at Simpson School. According to Principal Kayla Hopkins, Ms. Basco wears several different hats. Basco began a canteen cart, offering healthier snacks to the kids at student prices. She is also med-trained, often filling in when the school nurse is not around. Hopkins said she hopes every school has a Ms. Casey.
Karen Robertson and Jerome Hinson with Curriculum gave Board members an overview on what Vernon Parish schools have done to honor Black History Month in February. Every school in the parish had programs and work designed to highlight contributions to society by black Americans. The Pitkin Fellowship of Christian Students will be hosting the “Uganda Kids Choir” in their school on Thursday, February 27, at 10 a.m. The globe-traveling choir features song, dance, and life experiences firsthand to American students.
The Transportation Committee met earlier in the day to discuss the new bus maintenance facility being planned. The committee has narrowed their search and will be ready to begin the project in March.
Ft. Johnson Garrison Commander, Colonel C.J. Lopez, was pleased to announce the continuation of the Stargate Academy on post through May 23. Garrison funding was used to extend the program since DOD funds were cut. Students from Pickering were at the academy today.
Superintendent James Williams invited Board members and the public to view the 2025 Quiz Bowl academic competition in person at the Leesville High School Auditorium on Thursday, February 20, beginning at 8 a.m. All parish high schools will be represented at this years Quiz Bowl. The event will also be streamed on the Vernon Parish School Board website.
The next meeting of the Vernon School Board will be Thursday, March 6, at 10 a.m.