St. Mary Parish School Board approves fund transfers, authorizes bids and confirms new CFO

The St. Mary Parish School Board on Feb. 13 voted to redesignate and transfer district funds, authorize an advertisement for a boiler-replacement bid and confirm Becky Boisien as the district's new chief financial officer.

Board members approved several finance items by voice vote during the meeting in the Evan Meeting Room, including a plan to restore the district's technology reserve to $5,000,000, a transfer of $1,500,000 to maintenance capital-project funds and permission to advertise a boiler replacement at J.S. Oakland.

The board also passed a resolution authorizing designated personnel to apply for a district credit card through TCM Bank, and approved a resolution formalizing board-member training hours as required by state law.

"I'm truly honored to have been given this opportunity and promise to do my very best to provide you with critical, accurate, non biased information," Becky Boisien said after her appointment was announced. Boisien was introduced to the board as the newly appointed chief financial officer and said she would make the board's financial health a priority.

Why it matters: The actions affect the district's near-term spending authority for facilities and technology projects and change who can sign for credit and move funds inside district accounts.

What the board approved

- Technology reserve redesignation: Finance staff said the district originally set aside $5,000,000 for future technology needs, had freed $1,000,000 earlier and currently held $3,500,000. The board approved redesignating an additional $1,500,000 to return the reserve to $5,000,000. Board member Marilyn Pete LaSalle made the motion; Deborah Ord Jones seconded it. The board noted these funds still require board approval for any actual expenditures.

- Maintenance capital transfers: The board approved transfers of $500,000 to each maintenance district capital-project fund, for a total of $1,500,000 moved from the general fund to replenish maintenance accounts. Quincy M. Brent moved the item; LaSalle seconded.

- Boiler-replacement procurement: The board approved permission to advertise for bids for the J.S. Oakland boiler replacement project. Staff said the district had set aside $200,000 in capital funds and estimated the project would cost about $180,000 to $200,000 including fees. A motion to advertise was seconded by board member Tammy M. Dennis and approved by voice vote.

- Credit-card authorization: The board approved a resolution designating personnel to apply for a district credit card with TCM Bank (affiliated locally with Patterson State Bank). Staff told the board the previous card from Regions Bank did not allow online transaction viewing; the new account would allow closer monitoring. The motion was made by Tammy M. Moore and seconded by Marilyn Pete LaSalle.

- Financial authority and training: The board approved a resolution authorizing the newly appointed chief financial officer to move funds between accounts in payment of certain obligations (motion by Lindsey T. Anselm; second by Miss Jones). The board also approved a school-board training resolution reflecting each member meeting a six-hour minimum as described in Act 705 of the 2011 Louisiana Legislature.

- Minutes and routine items: The board approved minutes from the Jan. 9, 2025 regular meeting and passed banking resolutions authorizing signatories at various schools to reflect recent appointments.

CFO report and transition

Outgoing Chief Financial Officer Mr. Perry reported the district was approximately seven months into the fiscal year and said sales-tax collections for the month were $2,500,000 versus a budgeted $2,000,000, attributing the gain in part to a one-time audit. Perry told the board there will be upcoming insurance renewals and workers' compensation items on future agendas.

Perry also advised starting work on renewal of the district's 0.45% sales tax, recommending a consultant and a timeline that would target an Oct. 11, 2025 date in order to allow time for contingency planning and state approvals. The board directed staff to return with next steps.

Board action on scheduling and personnel

The board scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the contract renewal for Superintendent Dr. Fagan Bush and to consider authorizing the board president and vice president to enter contract negotiations.

The board recognized Mr. Perry's retirement at the meeting. Perry thanked staff and board members and said he would remain available if needed.

Votes and procedure

All listed approvals were by voice vote with no roll-call tallies recorded in the meeting transcript. Where a mover or seconder was recorded, that information is reported above; votes were announced as "aye" with no recorded opposition.

Next steps and follow-up

- Staff will advertise the J.S. Oakland boiler-replacement bid and return to the board with bids for award. - Finance staff will implement the credit-card transition to TCM Bank and provide monitoring procedures. - Staff will return to the board with a plan and timeline for the proposed sales-tax renewal and any required actions with the State Bond Commission.

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