Written by Pat Culverhouse
In a move that appeared to catch members of the parish school board by surprise Monday, Webster Parish Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland announced his retirement effective December 20.
“The greatest thing I’ve ever done in my personal life is serve in this role,” an emotional Rowland told board members. “It has been the most special thing I have done in my professional and personal life.”
Rowland has served more than 30 years in the parish school system as teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal. He has been Superintendent for the past 10 years.
“It’s time,” he said. “I’ve loved working with this board, but I don’t know just how much is left in the tank. I’ve made mistakes, but my intent has always been to help the students, teachers and employees.”
Following his announcement, board members amended the agenda and voted to officially accept Rowland’s retirement effective Dec. 20 and to advertise and accept applications for Superintendent.
During Monday’s meeting, board members also:
- Recognized Freddie Nolan, Jr., custodian at Phillips Elementary, as September’s Employee of the Month.
- Gave recognition to eight student/resident teachers serving the parish for the 2026-27 school year.
- Approved the 2026-27 pupil progression plan.
- Approved a trip to New York City March 8-12 for Expanding Horizons students in grades 12-9. Funding source is Gifted and Talented allocated state funds, and students will be responsible for a portion of the cost.
- Gave approval for Lakeside Travel Club to visit the Fort Worth Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas, Oct. 9-10.
- Approved various funds in the fiscal year 2026-27 budgets.
- Approved plan to move pre-K class from J.A. Phillips to J.L. Jones for the 2027-28 school term.
School board members also approved, in globo, $630,789.15 in invoice payments from the various district maintenance and sales tax funds. Those included:
- Consolidated Dist. 3 Maintenance Fund: $53,384.41. Payments include $13,953.04 for installing new security cameras at Central Elementary; $10,720 to purchase iReady Math plus Toolbox for Lakeside Jr/Sr High; $6,075.54 to replace condenser unit on walk-in cooler at Lakeside Jr/Sr High; $5,506.70 to install wireless capabilities at Lakeside Jr/Sr High football field.
- District 6 One-half cent Sales Tax Fund: $436,474.34. Major payments include $78,700 for one-year contract with Johnson Controls for A/C and heat at Minden High; $69,700 to purchase150 Chromebooks for Richardson Elementary; $55,760.40 to purchase120 Chromebooks for Minden High School; $54,000 to replace rotten 24” pipe track field at Minden High; $33,900 to prep and paint entire kitchen area plus epoxy floors in kitchen, bathrooms, storage and handwashing area at J.L. Jones Elementary; $28,120 for extensive repair, maintenance and installation at Richardson Elementary; $23,290 to install exterior lighting at various locations at Richardson Elementary; $17,105.70 to purchase10 laptops for Richardson Elementary; $11,359 to purchase zero turn mower for Minden High.
- Cotton Valley Maintenance Fund: $2,110.90. Payments were $1,315.30 for annual inspections fire alarm system at North Webster Upper Elementary and $795.60 for fire alarm repair at North Webster Upper Elementary.
- Doyline Maintenance Fund: $79,496.05. Included in payments was $69,525.15 to purchase five laptops and 130 Chromebooks for Doyline High; $4,079.30 to purchase new student ID printing software for Doyline High.
- Sarepta Maintenance Fund: $19,018.50
Payments made were $15,181.92 to replace existing fire alarm system at North Webster Jr. High; $3,211.58 for adding security cameras at North Webster Jr. High; $625 to replace condenser fan motor at North Webster Jr. High.
- Shongaloo Building Fund: $555.30 to repair fire alarm system at North Webster Lower Elementary.
- Springhill Maintenance Fund: $39,749.65.
Payments include $24,872.99 for replacing sound system at North Webster High gymnasium; $9,242.66 to install new refrigeration for walk-in cooler at Browning Elementary; $2,790 to refinish gymnasium floor at North Webster High.