Keywords:
Minutes - October 8, 2026
The Beauregard Parish School Board met in regular session on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 6:00 pm, in the Central Office Board Room. Board members Scott Sandifer, Garrett Greene, Ray Bowman, Kristi Neely, David Shirley, Cynthia Blackmon, Nikki Weldon, and Carlos Archield were present. Ray Bowman arrived during the discussion regarding the Finance Committee recommendation. Bryan Redler, Jared Kibodeaux, and Student Representative Mackenly LaFleur were absent.
Larry Hollie, Superintendent, was present and acted as secretary.
The Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were led by Alanna Bradford.
Upon motion of Carlos Archield, seconded by Garrett Greene, board members voted to adopt the agenda as presented.
Next, Garrett Greene offered a motion to adopt the minutes of the September 10, 2026, regular meeting of the Beauregard Parish School Board as published in the official journal, which was seconded by Kristi Neely, and adopted upon voting.
Larry Hollie began the Superintendents Report by reading the Student Representatives report in Mackenly LaFleurs absence. Ms. LaFleurs report shared September events across the parish, which included homecoming festivities and a See You at the Pole gathering. Board Members learned about a new club called Dragon Peer Initiative to Stay, which supports suicide prevention by making sure students have access to resources and can openly discuss mental health issues without any attached stigma. Ms. LaFleur reported activities in clubs and other extracurricular groups, such as the Forestry competitions in parish FFA clubs, Robotics students attended a Drone Exposition at Fort Polk, and Elementary Beta Club members went to Lafayette to take part in the Beta Leadership Summit. Cross-Country sports have started, and basketball season will begin soon. Board Members were given information about other activities across the parish, such as Grandparents Day celebrations, Halloween festivities, Hispanic Heritage Month activities, and more.
Next, board members heard a presentation about the new club at DeRidder High School, Dragon Peer Initiative to Stay, which focuses on recognizing the signs of someone experiencing mental health challenges and providing the skills to guide others toward finding helpful resources during mental health crises. Piper Smith and Sponsor Kari Morrow spoke to board members about the mission and goals of the program and about the training provided that will make tough conversations about this topic less awkward. Board members asked several questions about expanding the program to other schools within the parish.
Mr. Hollie wrapped up the Superintendents Report by advising board members that a summary of their training hours and a list of approved virtual training courses had been placed in their folders. Board members were reminded that 6 hours of training are required each year, and these 6 hours must include ethics. All certificates must be sent to Ms. Archer, so the hours can be recorded with LSBA.
The next item on the agenda was to recognize the Beauregard Parish Principal of the Year. Board members were given an overview of the Principal of the Year program, which is administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. Mr. Hollie announced that the 2026-2027 Beauregard Parish Principal of the Year was Singer High School Principal Jerry Gore. Mr. Gore brings more than 30 years experience to the parish, including experience as a teacher, coach, special education director, and principal.
Next, board members heard a recommendation from the Finance Committee, a motion to use General Fund reserves to make the $2000/$1000 stipend authorized for certain employee groups by Executive Order JML #26-047 (Reduction of MFP) available to all active employees. During discussion on the impacts of this funding plan, Mr. Hollie advised board members that after running the figures, it was determined that the MFP money being redistributed by the state would be enough to allow all active employee groups to receive the stipend, rather than just the groups identified by the governors Executiver Order JML #26-047, without having to draw from the General Fund. Mr. Hollie explained that this was made possible by a smaller number of employees, reducing the amount that had to be paid to TRSL and LSERS for benefits, and that other cost cutting measures had been taken to offset the cut to the MFP funds. Upon voting, the motion to make the $2000/$1000 stipend authorized for certain employee groups by Executive Order JML #26-047 (Reduction of MFP) available to all active employees was approved.
The next agenda item was to hear three recommendations from the Policy Committee. Ray Bowman offered a motion to consider items 6a through 6c in globo. The motion to consider the items together was seconded by Cynthia Blackmon and approved upon voting. Following this, board members voted to approve agenda motions 6a through 6c, without additional discussion.
a. Motion to approve revision of policy File:IDDF, Education of Students with Exceptionalities and waive the waiting period.
b. Motion to approve revision of policy File:IDDFC, Cameras in Special Education Classrooms and waive the waiting period.
c. Motion to approve revision of policy File:JGCE, Child Abuse and waive the waiting period.
The final agenda item was, To consider going into Executive Session under LA R. S. 42:17 to receive a compilation of the Superintendents evaluation results. Upon motion of Nikki Weldon, seconded by Carlos Archield, board members voted to move into Executive Session under LA R. S. 42:17 to receive a compilation of the Superintendents evaluation results. Following the Executive Session, upon motion of Garrett Greene, seconded by Carlos Archield, board members voted to resume open meeting. No action was taken as a result of the Executive Session. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Secretary
President
Oct 23 1t
2141573
Notice Cost- $163.77