School Board Meetings Summary, February 2025

February Meetings Summary

Hi, Z Community! This summary highlights key discussions and decisions from February's meetings. Please note that our meetings for January 2025 were cancelled due to the winter weather storm emergency. Those items were rolled into the February agenda.

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS

Resources Committee (Feb, 4):

• Capital Project Budget Review: Mr. Musso presented an overview of the district’s capital projects funds, comparing budgeted amounts with actual spending.

  
  

• Track Resurfacing Project: The Board anticipated approving the project, which was expected to use about $400,000 of the available $880,000 fund balance.

  
  

• Zachary Athletic Foundation (ZAF) Overview: ZAF shared its history, financial structure, and benefits of maintaining both school and ZAF-managed accounts for athletics teams.

Work Session (Feb, 4):

• 2023-2024 Audit Report: Amanda Strebeck presented findings, confirming an unmodified opinion for the district. Moving forward, policies and procedures will be formally documented.

  
  

• Board Committees for 2025: These committees include Resources, Policy, and Academic Committees were reviewed, and the new Services Committee was introduced.

  
  

• 2024-2025 School Calendar Adjustments: Due to lost instruction time from a hurricane and winter storm, updates include:

  
  

  • February 14th becomes a student day (originally a professional development day).

  • The last day of Mardi Gras break becomes a remote learning day.

  • Instructional minutes per day will be adjusted to compensate for lost time.

    
    

• 2025-2026 School Calendar Draft: The proposal includes remote learning/professional development days, responding to teachers' requests for more PD time, protection of instructional minutes against anticipated school-closure emergencies, and providing families with enhanced planning around holidays.

  
  

• Track Resurfacing Bid: Reviewed bids to resurface the track. The winning bid came in $200,000 below budget. Work would be scheduled to start in May, using Capital Projects Fund resources. The life of these updates is typically 10 years.

Regular Meeting (Feb. 4th):

• Superintendent’s Updates:

  • The superintendent announced upcoming events, including an academic retreat, the Louisiana State School Boards Association Conference, and a March insurance presentation. Plans are underway for a higher education partnership, the Define Careers program expansion (with a February 18th virtual meeting), and continued Stakeholder Advisory Meetings to address community feedback. Additionally, strategic planning is progressing toward a summer completion, and new safety initiatives will enhance security awareness for students and staff.

    
    

• Board Member Recognitions:

  • All School Board Members recognized for completing required continual training hours.

  • Dr. Gaynell Young & Dr. Crystal London were honored as Certified School Board Members (20+ hours of professional development).

  
  

• Celebrations

  • Zachary Early Childhood Network received a Highly Proficient rating across its ten child care centers and Early Learning Center.

  • Sa'lynn Woodside was recognized as April Dunn Youth of the Year for her advocacy and awareness building efforts for individuals with visual impairments.

  • Regena Beard was awarded for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

  • Zachary High School students scoring 30+ on the ACT were honored.

    
    

• Other Meeting Highlights:

  • Second Chance Breakfast: Ms. Coates shared insights into this program, which provides an additional opportunity for students to eat breakfast at Zachary High. Discussions focused on expanding and sustaining the initiative

    
    

  • Approvals:

    • Audit Report

    • Board Committee Assignments

    • 2024-2025 School Calendar Adjustments

    • 2025-2026 School Calendar

    • Track Resurfacing Bid

      
      

• Cybersecurity Updates: Dr. Hand presented on district IT security efforts to address emerging cyber threats.

  
  

• Upcoming Events:

  • Dr. London & Dr. Lathan’s State of the District Meeting – February 5th at Zachary Men’s Club.

  
  

Hearings Appeals (Feb. 18th)

• Completed.

  
  

Policy Meeting (Feb. 18th)

• Rescheduled for Thursday, March 6th AT 6:00P.M.

School Board Retreat Meeting (Feb. 22):

• Rescheduled for TBD.

Please check back for updates for other February Meetings later in the month.

For more details, visit our the district website to watch recordings of these meetings. Enjoy the rest of your week!