School Board hears COVID update from superintendent

A rather routine agenda faced members of the Acadia Parish School Board as they returned from the holiday break to start the second half of the 2021-2022 school year Monday.
School Board meetings are normally held on the first Monday of each month. The January meeting, however, was postponed one week due to the Christmas / New Year holidays.
Main concerns were directed towards the affect COVID-19 is having on students and staff of the parish school system.
“We are experiencing some increases in positivity during this most recent Omicron wave of COVID-19; however, we are working diligently each and every day to maintain our normal routines and operations to the best of our ability,” Superintendent Scott Richard said when asked about outbreaks and the possibility of school closures.
“All school system staff and the entire Acadia Parish community are making every effort to work together and we are very appreciative of everyone’s cooperation, flexibility and patience — especially the tremendous efforts of our teachers and support staff in the schools,” Richard continued.
“Our goal continues to be to keep all schools open for our students and families.
“We have been very fortunate as we returned from the Christmas break with a full staff and most of our students.
“We presently stand at four and one-half percent in quarantine, but that also includes students and staff who were exposed — not all have tested positive.”
He also noted that all schools are in good shape concerning supplies as a preventative measure against COVID.
Richard added that parents who wish more information about COVID procedures can visit the Acadia Parish School System website.
Under action items, the following were approved by the board:
• minutes of the December 6, 2021, regular session meeting;
• adoption of a recognition resolution declaring January of 2022 as Louisiana School Board Member Recognition Month, calling attention to the public service of all locally elected school board members that govern Louisiana’s 69 school systems; and
• revising policies using the term “guidance counselor” to the term “school counselor” as a result of legislative action.
Two consent items were presented to the board, including (1) assignments and changes of personnel and (2) sales tax report.
Chief Financial Officer Justin Carrier explained that the purchase of two turbines “kind of threw things off with disbursements in December.”
“Without that large expenditure, we are good — we are still looking good, but without that purchase, we would see a better bottom line.”
Following the superintendent’s report, the meeting was adjourned.
Committee meetings for the board are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 24, at 5 p.m. at the School Board office.