School Board Meetings Summary, June 2025

Zachary Community School Board | District 8

Compiled by Dr. Crystal London, District 8 Board Member

In June, the board wrapped up the school year with major decisions on the budget, salaries, and school safety. We also celebrated end-of-year achievements and recognized dedicated staff members. With important policy updates and community conversations on the table, here’s a summary of what took place this month.

Resources Committee Meeting (June 17, 2025)

• Mr. Musso provided updates comparing actual spending to the district’s planned budget.

• Mr. Musso previewed conversations related to the proposed teacher salary increase: $2,000 for certified staff and $1,000 for paraprofessionals.

• The lowest bid for property insurance reduced premiums by 33%, cut deductibles, and included flood insurance.

• Roofing bids for Northwestern Middle School were discussed, but the final decision should postponed pending more information about vendor eligibility.

Work Session (June 17, 2025)

• We reviewed the complete 2025–2026 budget and confirmed that a public hearing would be held before the vote.

• Staff raises, substitute pay increases, and performance-based stipends for retention were discussed.

• Two administrative contracts were approved.

• The board again reviewed property insurance bids for approval.

• We discussed the City of Zachary agreement and the updated Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook.

• Procedures for the proposed tax resolution were discussed and would be read publicly at the board meeting.

• The Fenwood Country Club contract was reviewed for renewal.

• Emergency Crisis and Student Discipline policies were discussed again. Mr. Necaise questioned the role of social media in triggering emergency communication.

  • Dr. London clarified that the policy already includes all forms of communication that affect school operations and safety. Timeline concerns were suggested by the board.

• The Superintendent Evaluation was announced for discussion during the board meeting.

Budget Hearing (June 17, 2025)

• The meeting opened with a public hearing on the 2025–2026 budget; no public comments were made.

Board Meeting (June 17, 2025)

• Superintendent Necaise thanked the MIS team for updating boardroom and training spaces with improved tech and live-streaming capabilities.

• We acknowledged graduation and end-of-the-school-year ceremonies, and we recognized the ZHS Choir’s performance at the Teacher Leader Summit. We also recognized the Ag Program’s participation in state-level competition.

• Jason Venable, Cynthia Banks, and Barbara Miller were recognized as retirees for their service to the district.

• The board approved the full budget, including salary schedule, substitute pay increases, and performance stipends.

• Property Insurance option 2 (Berkshire & Hathaway) was approved.

• The joint agreement with the City of Zachary, contract with Fenwood Country Club was approved, and the Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook were approved.

• Mr. Musso read the proposed tax resolution into the record for transparency.

• Approval for the Northwestern Middle School roof project bid was tabled.

• Discussion resumed on the Emergency Crisis and Student Discipline policies. Dr. London proposed updating “immediate” to “timely” to reflect recent board feedback. Dr. Taylor-Jarrell seconded the motion, but Mr. Necaise requested more time for legal review. Mr. Hughes set an alternative motion to table; Mr. Mackie seconded; the motion to table passed. (June 2025)

• Mr. Necaise asked the board to vote down the discipline policy (file JD). Dr. London set the motion to approve citing extended timelines for general counsel review, but the motion was not seconded and failed.

  • Dr. London emphasized that local policy should remain responsive to school needs and questioned the extended delay on this policy.

• The Superintendent Evaluation was presented, and Mr. Necaise’s scores placed him in the “highly effective” category.

• Mr. Dayton asked for an updated list of committee responsibilities.

• Dr. London confirmed that a “State of the District” committee is in progress and more information will be shared soon about "Coffee & Conversation". (Parent and Community Engagement Committee)

• The board discussed rescheduling the staff retreat for the Discipline and Academics Committees. (June 2025)

Special Board Meeting (June 25, 2025)

• Check back for updates.

June marked the conclusion of a busy school year. We approved a new budget, raised staff pay, and made some progress on long-standing policy discussions. Thank you to everyone who participated in this month’s meetings. For full details and to share questions/feedback/concerns, visit www.ZCSD8.org or contact me at drcrystallondon@gmail.com.