School District Continues Agreement with Houma Courier Amid Coverage Concerns

The Terrebonne Parish School Board convened on June 4, 2025, to discuss various matters, primarily focusing on their ongoing agreement with the Houma Daily Courier for publishing essential district information. The meeting highlighted the necessity of this partnership, despite some board members expressing concerns about the Courier's performance and the value of its services.

Board member Mr. Ford opened the discussion by clarifying that the agreement with the Courier is strictly for advertising and publishing public bids, job advertisements, and board minutes, rather than covering current events related to the school district. He noted that the Courier is currently the only publication within the required radius that meets the district's needs.

Financial details were provided by Ms. Dugas, revealing that the district has spent over $28,000 this fiscal year on the Courier's services. This cost is based on a per-word pricing model, which allows the district to publish as much information as needed without a set limit. However, the pricing structure has remained stable for several years, with no increases anticipated.

Mr. Ford further expressed his desire for improved coverage of positive news and events from the school district, criticizing the Courier for its tendency to focus on negative stories. He emphasized the importance of fostering a better relationship with the publication to ensure that positive developments are also highlighted. He raised concerns about the Courier's subscription model, which he believes limits readership and undermines the value of the publication for the community.

The board concluded the discussion with a consensus on the necessity of continuing the relationship with the Courier, while also expressing hope for more competitive options in the future. The meeting underscored the challenges faced by the school district in securing effective communication channels with the public and the need for a more balanced representation of its activities.