The Madison Parish School Board met Aug. 18 and took steps to address its finances, considered updates to student policies, and delayed approval of the district’s student handbook until September.
The board adopted its agenda, approved bills for payment, and accepted the minutes of the July 21 meeting.
Financial report
The board heard an updated financial report showing a general fund balance of about $331,000 and payroll fund of about $156,000 as of Aug. 13. Officials outlined outstanding obligations including $255,000 for teachers’ retirement, nearly $700,000 in general fund salaries, $256,000 in grant fund salaries, $63,849 in insurance, and $170,000 in 21st Century invoices. Payments also remain for Star Services and utilities.
A cash flow projection showed expected receipts of about $1.5 million but bills totaling $1.7 million, leaving a projected deficit of more than $200,000. To cover expenses, the board authorized withdrawing two certificates of deposit from Tensas State Bank totaling more than $314,000, with early withdrawal penalties of about $2,500. The resolution passed 6-0 with two members absent.
The board also ratified a repayment plan to the Child Nutrition Program of $25,000 per month for 24 months, with additional payments in January and February, totaling $875,000.
Budget and millage discussion
Officials reviewed millage tax and roll forward options. The board was reminded that it did not roll forward in the previous year, though other taxing bodies did. Members were advised of legal requirements for advertising and public hearings if they choose to roll forward in 2025.
A budget hearing was scheduled for Sept. 15 at 5:15 p.m., immediately before the regular board meeting. The board must adopt a budget by that date.
Policies and personnel
The board approved the pupil progression plan for 2025-26, with no major changes reported. Board policy updates from the 2022–24 legislative sessions were adopted and will be uploaded to the district’s website within 45 days. Policies from the 2025 session were received for review and will be considered in September.
Members voted to prohibit out-of-state travel for the 2025-26 school year unless approved by both the board and the fiscal agent. The move followed recommendations to reduce expenses, though exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The board updated job descriptions to transfer student information system duties from the business manager to the 21st Century director, a federally funded after-school program. The change was described as a cost-saving measure.
Student handbook
Action on the 2025-26 student handbook was delayed until September after the board’s attorney requested additional time to review language changes. A committee had recommended replacing the term “expulsion” with “extended suspension,” noting the district has not been expelling students.
Executive session
The board entered executive session to discuss the superintendent’s evaluation and a potential legal matter involving the appointment of a fiscal administrator. Following the closed session, the board accepted a state-appointed fiscal agent.
