Sulphur High School Student Named JAG State Ambassador
In a recent meeting, the Calcasieu Parish School Board acknowledged the achievements of Amiah Henry, a junior at Sulphur High School, who has been named a Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) State Ambassador. This prestigious title marks the first time a student from Calcasieu has achieved this honor. Amiah represented her parish on a national stage at the National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C.
Social Worker Honored for Dedication to Students
The board also recognized Lacitta (Lottie) Lavergne, a CPSB social worker, for being named the Regional Public Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. Ms. Lavergne works in the Federal Programs Department and is committed to serving students in need, both on and off the job. As a foster parent for the Department of Children and Family Services, she demonstrates her dedication to supporting students and families.
Teacher Salary Schedule Reform and Contract Renewal
During the meeting, the board voted to reformat the current teacher salary schedule to make it less confusing and to compress the number of existing steps. The revised schedule will be brought back to the board for approval before implementation next school year. Additionally, a contract renewal with Solutions Counseling and EAP was approved, securing a three-year partnership.
New Board Officers and Meeting Dates
The board elected new officers, with Reverend Desmond Wallace serving as Board President and Aaron Natali as Vice President. The meeting and committee meeting dates for 2025 were also approved.
Capital Improvement Fund Established
In anticipation of additional sales and use taxes from industrial construction projects and other sources, the board passed a resolution establishing a capital improvement fund. The fund will be utilized for salaries (40%), capital improvement (40%), general fund reserved for future Hurricane Cost share (10%), and general fund (10%). Revenues will be allocated to each bonding district based on that district’s student count. All projects will be subject to approval by the School Board from recommendations made by the members of that bonding district. The fund will be audited annually by the Internal Auditing Department.
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Two committee meetings are scheduled to take place on January 28 at 5 p.m. A budget committee meeting will be followed by a Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) committee meeting.