By Pat Culverhouse
“The mission of public schools is to meet the diverse educational needs of all children and to empower them to become competent, productive contributors to a democratic society and an ever-changing world.”
That’s the declaration from a proclamation presented to the parish school board by Minden Mayor Nick Cox Monday declaring January, 2026, as School Board Recognition Month.
Cox told board members he was presenting the proclamation to show the support of the city of Minden for the board’s continuing efforts.
“I urge all citizens to join me in recognizing the dedication and hard work of local school board members,” Cox read from the proclamation. “Working with them helps to mold an education system that meets the needs of both today’s and tomorrow’s children.”
Also during Monday’s meeting, board members:
Recognized Wendy King, lunchroom manager at North Webster Upper Elementary, as employee of the month for January. Her award was presented by Benji Maher representing Taylor and Sons.
Approved coordinated funding request; Webst3r Parish Ready Start Early Childhood Network is applying for birth through four-year-old seats for 2026-27 school year.
Gave approval for Gwenzetta Bradford, principal at North Webster Jr. High and two teachers to attend the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. Feb 5-6. Cost of $5,463 to be paid with Title I funds.
Adopted ordinance providing for continued levy of a one-half percent sales and use tax in sales tax Dist. 6. Tax was authorized in special election held in the district Oct. 11, 2025.
Scheduled a Winter Retreat for board members on Friday, Jan. 30. Hot topic at the retreat will be school board finances, Supt. Johnny Rowland said.
Board members also approved $194,618.72 in invoices for invoice payment from various school district funds. Those include:
Consolidated District 3 Maintenance Fund: $30,498. Payments include $16,562 to install gutters and downspouts on baseball and softball bleachers and replace lights in boys batting cages at Lakeside Jr/Sr High; $4,412.62 to purchase ice maker for teachers’ lounge at Lakeside Jr/Sr High; $4,120.68 to purchase 10 new helmets for football team at Lakeside Jr/Sr High.
District 6 One-half Cent Sales Tax Fund: $129,750.73. Top expenditures include $31,935 to replace carpet in library and Strong Hall at Minden High; $16,160 to replace air conditioner on roof at J.A. Phillips Elementary; $9,922.14 for replacement of all bearings on both chilled water pumps and hot water pump at Minden High; $6,550 to purchase ice machine for J.L. Jones Elementary.
Doyline Maintenance Fund: $8,452.93. Invoices paid are $8,000 to treat and overseed baseball and softball fields at Doyline High and $452.93 to service Kubota RTV at Doyline High.
Sarepta Maintenance Fund: $805.99 to purchase air conditioning unit with electric heat for North Webster Jr. High.
• Springhill Maintenance Fund: $25,111.07. Invoices paid were $13,996 to build at 12-foot x 28-foot storage building at Brown Upper Elementary; $10,662.14 to purchase and install new sound system with microphones and speakers at Brown Upper Elementary; $452.93 to service Kubota RTV at Brown Upper Elementary.
