Journal Staff
Three Webster Parish schools showed improvement despite facing difficulties of the coronavirus pandemic, parish Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland reported to school board members Monday.
Rowland said simulated COVID scores released last week by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) showed Minden High School, North Webster High School and Lakeside Jr/Sr High advancing in achievement.
“Three schools showing growth during these difficult times is a monumental achievement,” Rowland said. “We should take the time to celebrate all the kids and staff for the job they’ve done over the past year and a half.”
Rowland acknowledged that while three advanced, schools parish-wide showed a decline of 2.2 percent. Still, he told board members, that figure should be considered an achievement considering the situation facing students, teachers, administrators and support staff.
Also during Monday’s meeting, seven parish teachers and counselors were awarded $1,000 Webster Excellence in Education Fund (WEEF) grants to be used for students at their discretion.
Receiving the grants were Jennifer Davis (Doyline High), Megan Johnson (Lakeside), Ana Fleming (Central Elementary), Whiney Cate (Minden High), Sara Chreene (Central Elementary), Freda Ary (J.A. Phillips) and Wendy Crews (Brown Upper Elementary).
Monday’s meeting also saw board members:
• Elect Fred Evans president and Charles Strong vice president for 2022. Both served in their respective positions in 2021.
• Recognize Tina Jones, occupational therapist for the school board, as Employee of the Month for December.
• Approve sending certain administrators and staff to the “Get Your Teach On” regional conference in Charlotte, NC in February, 2022.
• Vote approval of purchases for supplies, equipment and improvements at parish schools.
• Accept school personnel report, school community liaison report, the October sales tax report and monthly financial reports.
