‘State of our Schools’ address at WP school board meeting, Dillon sworn in as newest member

Published 9:13 am Thursday, May 22, 2025

By kimgerald

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CARIE EDWARDS

CORRESPONDENT TO THE DAILY NEWS

The Washington Parish School Board met for its regular meeting on May 15, 2025, focusing on student achievement, safety initiatives, district performance, and upcoming plans for the new school year. Superintendent Jennifer Thomas delivered a detailed “State of Our Schools” address, and the board approved several motions related to student safety, community partnerships, and future planning. 

The meeting began by Amanda Dillon being officially sworn in as the new District 8 board member, following her special election win in March with over eighty percent of the vote. She fills the seat previously held by the late Frankie Crosby.

Stacy Payne, Supervisor of Special Education and the gifted and talented program recognized winners of the 2024-2025 Louisiana School Board Association Art Contest. Students submitted Louisiana-themed art that was judged locally and at the state level. Winners were:

  • K-5: Zaylee Bounds, 3rd grade, Thomas Elementary- “Bayou Sentinel” (Teacher: Kelly Stubbs)
  • 6-8: Michaela Gray, 6th grade, Mt. Hermon School- “Throw Me Something Mister” (Teacher: Faith Ginn)
  • 9-12: Megan Fountain, 10th grade, Mt. Hermon School- “Louisiana Observer” (Teacher: Faith Ginn)

“I think the board and the audience can see the great talent that our students here in Washington Parish have,” said Payne. “We are thrilled to have these three represent us at the district and state level.”

Superintendent Jennifer Thomas began her report on the “State of Our Schools” with a powerful message on progress and perseverance. She acknowledged the district’s eighty percent poverty rate-with some schools like Varnado High School at ninety percent-yet praised the district’s ability to maintain a Grade “B” Performance Score. “That speaks volumes about our students, teachers, administrators, and board members,” Thomas said.

The Washington Parish School District currently serves 4,616 students. Of that population, 66% are white, 27% are African American, and 7% identify as other. Approximately 20% of students are classified as disabled, while 7% participate in the gifted and talented program. The district holds a performance score of 78.6, earning a grade “B” rating, and maintains an 85.9% graduation rate. The average ACT score for the district is 17. There are 790 teachers employed across the district, with 20% holding a master’s degree or higher and 85% certified. Class sizes remain small, with 71% of classes containing twenty or fewer students and an average classroom size of sixteen. Annual spending per student is approximately $14,220.

Among the district’s notable accomplishments for the 2024-2025 school year are an increase in certified teachers, expansion of instructional resources, and a rise in enrollment by ten students. Financially, the district successfully reduced is funding deficit and renewed its maintenance millage. Instructional time was optimized through improved scheduling and interventions, and mental health professionals were sustained in all schools. Additionally, a one-cent sales tax was passed to support employee salaries, resulting in a 5% raise for all staff. The district also secured ten grants focused on school safety and wellness and conducted unannounced safety drills in partnership with local law enforcement agencies. 

Looking ahead, Superintendent Jennifer Thomas outlined strategic goals for the 2025-2026 school year, with a vision to create an educational environment where every student can thrive through rigorous instruction and meaningful support. Her mission is guided by three primary priorities: student achievement, student safety and wellness, and fiscal responsibility. Key goals for the upcoming year include cultivating school leadership, adding computer science certifications for teachers, rebuilding the alternative education program, and developing student internships along with a career center. The district also aims to enhance school safety by increasing the number of resource officers, installing more cameras, and equipping all school doors with scanners. Additional plans involve improving transportation efficiency by rerouting bus routes and expanding the bus fleet with owning more district buses as well as reinforcing transparency in communication across the district. 

Two significant cooperative agreements were approved during the meeting. The first allows Superintendent Thomas to partner with the WPSO for a three-day summer camp in July focused on unity, safety, life skills, and drug awareness. Camp topics will include cyberbullying, conflict resolution, drug counseling, and sports. The school district will provide transportation, breakfast, and lunch for participating students, while the Sheriff’s office will reimburse fuel costs and cover bus driver pay. The second agreement permits the Superintendent to collaborate with the Franklinton Police Department to provide free vehicle escort services for all out-of-town sporting events, enhancing student safety during travel.

In other business, the board approved the 2025-2026 student transfer list, ensuring students and families are assigned according to the district policy. A motion was also approved to reroof Varnado High School after reviewing contractor bids. Additionally, the board voted to renew the 2025 millage rates. 

Board President Lesley McKinley praised the efforts of staff and students, and expressed confidence in the districts forward momentum. 

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