The Natchitoches Parish School Board concluded its May 5 committee meeting by discussing a wide range of operational issues, from traffic safety concerns to the first-ever student-led proposal for changes to the district dress code.

The second half of the meeting focused heavily on policy formalization, including a new handbook for middle school athletics and contract updates.

In an effort to bring structure to what Dr. Eloi described as the “Wild West,” the board reviewed a new 12-page Middle School Sports Handbook. Developed with input from coaches and Board Member Chad Fredieu, the document aims to align middle school sports with Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) standards.

Key features of the handbook include:

• Game Minimums/Maximums: Ensuring coaches play enough games to justify stipends while preventing over-scheduling.

• Gate Fees: Setting a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $7 to cover referee costs and equipment.

• District Championships: Reviving a formal district-wide competitive structure including local schools plus Red River and St. Mary’s.

• Coaching Certification: A proposal to require non-faculty coaches to be CECP (Coaches Education and Certification Program) certified to mitigate liability and health risks like heat stroke.

Board members expressed concern that the certification requirement might discourage parent volunteers. Dr. Eloi agreed to research whether the course could be taken virtually or if a local safety course could be substituted.

For the first time in recent memory, students are set to present a proposal to the board. The students, participating in a civic action project, are requesting that “spirit shirts” be offered in multiple colors (such as white in addition to the standard maroon at Central) to provide more variety within the dress code.

“I told them to start small—no cell phones or anything crazy—and learn the process of participating in civic action,” Dr. Eloi said. The proposal is expected to be formally introduced at the next full board meeting.

Financial and personnel updates included:

• Sales Tax Revenue: Finance Director Mrs. Dunn reported that March sales tax collections were down nearly 4% ($94,000) compared to the previous year. However, the district remains 1.3% ahead for the year and has collected 75% of its budgeted projections.

• HR and Retirements: HR Director Ramona Blander announced that the annual retirement party is scheduled for May 27. She also reminded the board of Teacher Appreciation events, including a leadership-hosted car wash.

• Head Start Transition: The board discussed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to transition services from “Save the Children” to “Prime Time Head Start,” the new grantee for the area.

The board also discussed several key contracts, including:

• Echo Ride: A bus contract update that incorporated 100% of the changes requested by the board’s attorneys.

• Food and Milk Bids: Approval of recommendations for the 2026-2027 school year, following an appeals hearing that upheld the disqualification of a non-compliant bidder.

Agenda items will be voted on at the full board meeting on Tuesday, May 12.