Claiborne Parish School Board calls March 29, 2025 special election to continue two millages

The Claiborne Parish School Board on Nov. 7, 2024 adopted a resolution calling a special election on Saturday, March 29, 2025, to ask voters to continue two special millage levies of 5.22 mills each for a 10‑year period beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035.

The propositions submitted to voters would continue a 5.22‑mill levy estimated to produce about $603,000 annually to provide additional support to the public schools in the district, and a second 5.22‑mill levy, likewise estimated at $603,000, for constructing, improving and maintaining school buildings and property. The resolution states the 5.22 mills figure represents a 0.07‑mill increase attributable to reappraisal compared with the 5.15 mills authorized through 2025.

Tommy Davidson offered the resolution and Stewart Griffin seconded it; the motion passed by roll call vote, 8 yeas, 0 nays, and 2 absent. The minutes record the eight 'yea' votes as Patricia Stevens, Stewart Griffin, William Maddox, Linda Knox, Yolanda Coleman, Tommy Davidson, Roy Mardis and David Nokes. The attendance line in the minutes also records two absent members. The minutes include signature/attestation lines naming Perry Anderson as President and Chris Brooks as Secretary; the transcript records Perry Anderson as absent in the meeting attendance line, which creates an internal inconsistency in the minutes (see audit). The Board directed publication of the notice and authorized application to the State Bond Commission as required; it set an open‑meeting canvass of results for April 10, 2025, at the Parish School Board Office.

The resolution includes standard election logistics: polls to open 7 a.m. and close 8 p.m. on election day, designation of polling places and election commissioners, and use of voting machines. It also authorizes the Secretary of the Board to arrange equipment and supplies for the election and to forward certified copies of the resolution to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of Court and ex‑officio parish custodian of voting machines, and the Registrar of Voters of Claiborne Parish. The minutes state the Secretary of State's estimate of the election cost is $40,000.

The resolution also authorizes the Board to retain special counsel, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., to advise on matters related to the special election for up to one year, with fees billed at the Attorney General's current maximum hourly fee schedule and an aggregate cap not to exceed $1,000 plus reimbursable expenses.

Next steps listed in the minutes: the Board will publish the Notice of Special Election in the district's official journal for four consecutive weeks beginning within the statutory window and, after the election, meet on April 10, 2025 to canvass returns and declare results.