Claiborne Parish School Board adopts 2024 tax millages, approves policy changes and school-safety steps

The Claiborne Parish School Board adopted its 2024 ad valorem tax millages and approved a slate of policy and personnel actions at a regular meeting Aug. 8 at Homer High Cottage.

Tommy Davidson moved to adopt the 2024 ad valorem tax millages; David Nokes seconded and the motion passed on a unanimous roll call. The board later read and certified a resolution specifying the levies: General Fund — Constitutional tax 5.39 mills, Special Operational and Maintenance 5.22 mills, Salaries and Benefits 10.13 mills; Maintenance — Special Maintenance 5.22 mills; Special Funds — School District Maintenance 9.00 mills.

Superintendent Chris Brooks presented a package of policy revisions prompted by acts of the 2024 Louisiana Legislature; the board approved changes to policies including staff and student substance-use rules, home study and extracurricular policy updates. The board also approved a revision to policy BBBE that places a $2,000 maximum on board travel reimbursements.

Board members approved a Campus Security Coordinator job description to be assigned to Homer campuses. The position’s duties include patrolling campus grounds, assisting with security for extracurricular events and interacting with students to promote basic life skills and personal responsibility, the superintendent said.

The board approved a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to provide a School Resource Officer at Summerfield High, noting the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office has provided an SRO for several years. Transportation Supervisor Joey Guillory secured board approval for a fuel bid from Crump Oil Company to serve Haynesville and Homer districts.

Business Manager Ms. Turner reviewed July financial statements and presented a Corrective Action Plan for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023; Turner said the finding addressed in that plan was completed as of April 1, 2024. She said the 2024–25 budget will be brought to the board for approval at its September meeting.

Superintendent Brooks presented the personnel report listing multiple hires, transfers and resignations effective Aug. 1 to staff schools for the coming year. HR Supervisor Mr. Martin reminded board members of required Vector training (sexual harassment, cybersecurity and bullying) and said the district’s approved four-day school week has helped the district fill certified teaching positions.

The board rescheduled its October meeting to Thursday, Oct. 3, because the regular date falls during Fall Break. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Votes at a glance - Approval of July 11 minutes: motion by Stewart Griffin, second by Roy Mardis; tally 10–0, motion passed. - Adoption of 2024 ad valorem tax millages: motion by Tommy Davidson, second by David Nokes; unanimous roll call, motion passed. - Approval of fuel bid (Crump Oil Company): motion by Roy Mardis, second by Tommy Davidson; tally 10–0, motion passed. - Approval of multiple policy revisions (various policy codes listed): motion by Stewart Griffin, second by Roy Mardis; tally 10–0, motion passed. - Approval of BBBE travel reimbursement cap ($2,000): motion by Tommy Davidson, second by Stewart Griffin; tally 10–0, motion passed. - Approval of Campus Security Coordinator job description: motion by Roy Mardis, second by Linda Knox; tally 10–0, motion passed. - Approval of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for SRO at Summerfield High: motion by Tommy Davidson, second by Linda Knox; roll call 10–0, motion passed. - Reschedule October meeting to Oct. 3: motion by Stewart Griffin, second by Tommy Davidson; tally 10–0, motion passed.