School Board Meetings Summary, April 2025 & May 2025

Zachary Community School Board | District 8

Compiled by Dr. Crystal London, District 8 Board Member

As we moved through the spring months of April and May, the school board remained focused on making decisions that support student success, staff well-being, and community

engagement. From budget planning to policy updates, and from student recognition to strategic priorities, we covered a lot of ground. Here’s a breakdown of what took place in April and May 2025.

Resources Committee Meetings

• Mr. Musso provided updates comparing actual district spending with the approved budget. (April 2025, May 2025)

• The committee discussed how student enrollment and attrition affect state funding.

• Introduced a new tax resolution to support teacher pay. (April 2025)

• We began exploring new insurance coverage options for the district. (May 2025)

• Plans were made to publicly advertise the 2025–2026 budget for input during the June meeting. (May 2025)

Work Sessions

• We reviewed the JCDAE student device policy to better define instructional time and outline rules for device use during school-sponsored events. The policy also addressed communication options between families and students during school hours, restricted use of school devices for non-educational purposes, and consequences for misuse. (April 2025)

• The MIS technology contract was reviewed, and board members expressed gratitude for the company’s continued support. (April 2025)

• We discussed preparations for board participation in the ZHS lip sync event, and criteria for the new Dr. Gaynell C. Young Memorial Scholarship. (April 2025)

• Board members considered updates to staff compensation based on recent election outcomes. (April 2025)

• File JS regarding student fees, fines, and charges was reviewed with no major changes. (May 2025)

• The 2025–2026 budget was prepared for public presentation and feedback. (May 2025)

• Food service and supply bids were considered. (May 2025)

• Committee re-assignments to reflect Dr. Taylor Jarrell’s appointment as interim board member were tabled. (May 2025)

• Continued discussion occurred around renaming Port Hudson in honor of Dr. Gaynell C. Young. (April 2025, May 2025)

• Tax expert explained how a new tax proposal could replace an expiring one to support teacher salaries. (May 2025)

• Administrative contracts and job descriptions were reviewed. (May 2025)

• The board agreed to seek bids for roof repair at Northwestern Middle School, setting a $400,000 budget. (May 2025)

• Drafts of emergency crisis (EBBC) and student discipline (JD) policies were introduced for feedback. (May 2025)

Board Meetings

• Superintendent Necaise shared updates with the board, and we honored Students of the Year from each school. (April 2025)

• Recognition was given to All-State Band members, JROTC champions, and DEMCO Youth DC Tour winner, Amara Nwabueze. (April 2025)

• Dr. Tracey Taylor-Jarrell was sworn in as the interim board member for District 1. (April 2025)

• We approved the updated JCDAE policy and the MIS technology contract. (April 2025)

• Awards were presented to the NMS Division II Food Challenge Grand Champions, welding champion David Irvin, and entrepreneur Khaliyah Claiborne. (May 2025)

• Retiring educators from NES, RPES, NMS, ZHS, and Central Office were honored for their service. (May 2025)

• Mr. Necaise shared updates on Teacher Appreciation Week, district testing, and the strategic plan. (May 2025)

Special Meetings

Policy Committee (April 3, 2025)

• The committee reviewed updates to file JD (Student Discipline) and two versions of file EBBC (Student Safety).

• Dr. London explained the revisions to (1) improve crisis communication and (2) create a reference for discipline assignment were based on recent incidents in schools.

• Formatting concerns were noted, and legal questions were sent to the district’s general counsel. (April 2025)

 Board Retreat (April 15, 2025)

• The board reviewed strategic plan pillars: academic growth, social-emotional learning, school safety, communication, staffing, and technology.

• Members participated in a gallery walk to mark priorities and suggest changes.

• Updates were shared on pilot programs like virtual learning (grades 7–12), internships, and the Defined Careers survey.

• Survey results showed student interest in arts, technology, business, and hospitality.

• A new state requirement was reviewed—25% of seniors must complete an internship credit for the school to receive full points in the accountability system.

• A video from the Ag program showcased their beekeeping work, and local partnerships were highlighted. (April 2025)

Discipline Policy/Handbook Committee (April 29, 2025)

• Committee members, including parents and school staff, discussed handbook updates across all grade levels.

• Zachary High proposed removing the requirement related to natural hair color; Northwestern Middle chose to keep theirs.

• Navy blue bottoms were approved districtwide, with each school deciding how to implement the change.

• Other topics included jackets, belts, elastic waistbands, clear backpacks, and plaid uniforms (not approved).

• High school teachers shared concerns about discipline tracking, truancy, and class coverage.

• Mr. Burke agreed to send a summary of the recommendations to the board. (April 2025)

The board made steady progress through April and May, from policy updates and program planning to recognizing excellence in our schools. Stay tuned for more in next month’s summary, or visit www.ZCSD8.org for full details.