Following a compelling presentation by Natchitoches Central High School students, the Natchitoches Parish School Board voted unanimously on May 12 to update the district-wide dress code policy, allowing schools to offer additional color options for spirit shirts.

The decision capped a meeting that also saw the adoption of 2026 tax millages and the approval of several major service contracts.

Student representatives successfully presented information that providing a second color option for spirit shirts would boost school morale and offer financial relief to families. The students noted that while they support the structure of uniforms, the current “one-color” restriction felt limiting.

The board was visibly moved by the presentation. “We were all a ‘no’ [initially],” one board member admitted, “but y’all swayed us… y’all twisted that arm.”

The approved motion mandates that all district schools offer a minimum of two different school colors for spirit shirts, provided the designs remain consistent with district administrative guidelines. The policy will be integrated into the student handbook later this month.

The board conducted a public hearing on 2026 tax millages before moving to adoption. The finance director recommended maintaining current rates across the district, with the exception of District 7, which was set at 15 mills.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed millages. Board members also discussed the potential for future “civics-in-action” initiatives, such as bringing veterans into classrooms to provide living history lessons, a suggestion sparked by recent interactions with local history teachers.

The meeting also began with a resounding celebration of the Lake View High School Band, which has undergone a historic transformation under the leadership of Director Myles Schexnayder. From a program that consisted of only a single student four years ago, the band has soared to a 31-member powerhouse that recently achieved a “clean sweep” of superior ratings. The ensemble earned the Sweepstakes Trophy at the District Festival with straight ones in every category, a feat they repeated at the State Assessment at NSU. Most recently, the band traveled to Dallas for the Lone Star National Competition, where they secured yet another superior rating and a trophy for Outstanding Performance. Beyond their musical prowess, Schexnayder noted that 31 of the 34 students in the program are on the honor roll, proving that these Eagles are excelling both on the stage and in the classroom.

The federal programs supervisor reported that federal funding and expenditures are trending as expected with no unusual highlights. However, she noted a slight decline in Pre-K applications for the upcoming school year.

As of early May, application numbers stood at:

• L.B. Vaughn: 80

• Magnet: 38

• Provensaw: 21 (pending recent enrollment event)

• Fairview: 16

• Marthaville: 9

The district has secured a new Preschool Development Grant in the amount of $56,610, alongside a Ready Start Network grant for $100,000. These funds will support family engagement initiatives and literacy support for families with children from birth to age five.

The board moved through a busy agenda of contract renewals and policy updates:

• After months of negotiation, the board approved a contract for student transportation services, noting that the provider had accepted all district-requested changes.

• The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to continue partnership services.

• Contracts for the 2026-2027 school year were awarded to U.S. Foods and a local milk provider. While menus are strictly dictated by federal dietary guidelines, the district takes pride in the quality of its offerings.

• Following feedback from teachers, coaches, and board members, the board approved a “fine-tuned” middle school handbook that clarifies scheduling and disciplinary guidelines.

The meeting concluded as the board entered into executive session to discuss strategy and defense regarding ongoing litigation (Natchitoches Parish School Board v. certain underwriters at Lloyds, London, et al.).

The next regular meeting is scheduled for June, where the board expects further updates on summer manufacturing classes and Pre-K staffing levels.