The Natchitoches Parish School Board discussed educational partnerships, a proposed corporal punishment policy and oil and natural gas leasing during its committee meeting Tuesday, Nov. 10.
The board also received updates on district operations, employee recognition, transportation and maintenance.
Items discussed during the committee meeting are scheduled for consideration at the board’s regular voting meeting Thursday, Nov. 12.
The board discussed a proposed memorandum of understanding with Prime Time Family Reading, Inc., involving the use of existing facilities at Fairview. The proposed agreement would provide six rooms in a designated wing of the facility, including one room for office space. Officials explained that the arrangement would allow the organization to use a separate entrance and operate within a designated portion of the building.
The proposed agreement includes an annual contribution of slightly more than $26,000.
District representatives said the amount was developed after reviewing facility-related expenses, including lawn care, janitorial services and other operational costs. The board discussed the importance of clearly defining financial and operational responsibilities between the district and its partner.
The agreement is scheduled for consideration Thursday, with discussion also addressing authorization for the superintendent to sign the memorandum.
The board revisited a previously tabled proposal addressing corporal punishment administered by parents on school grounds.
Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi explained that district officials had reviewed similar policies in other Louisiana school districts and consulted with legal counsel. The discussion centered on potential liability concerns and the responsibilities of school employees as mandatory reporters. The proposed policy would address situations involving parents administering corporal punishment to their own children while on school property.
Eloi said legal counsel recommended adopting a formal policy rather than relying solely on administrative practices or instructions to principals. Board members discussed the distinction between contacting parents about student behavior and directing parents to administer discipline.
The proposed policy is expected to return for consideration at Thursday’s voting meeting.
Board members discussed a memorandum of understanding with Cane River Children’s Services for the 2026-2027 school year. The agreement would outline supplemental educational services provided through Title I, Part A funding designated for neglected children.
District officials explained that the available funding changes annually based on the number of eligible students residing at the facility during the previous school year. The agreement would establish expectations for the use of those funds, including tutoring during the school year and possible summer enrichment activities if funding is available. Officials said tutoring compensation would follow district guidelines and would be provided at an hourly rate rather than through a full-time salaried position.
The board discussed a proposed change in how it would handle oil and natural gas leasing on district-owned property. Attorney Joe Stamey explained that the district is considering withdrawing a previously approved resolution that would have placed the leasing process under the State Mineral and Energy Board.
Instead, the proposed resolution would authorize the school board to conduct its own competitive bidding process while maintaining required state oversight and approval. Stamey said the change would provide the district with greater control over lease conditions and potentially allow it to receive initial lease payments sooner. The discussion focused in part on approximately 640 acres of district property that have attracted interest from oil and gas companies.
Under the proposed schedule, advertisements for bids would begin Nov. 17 and Nov. 19, with bids expected to be opened in early December. Officials discussed the possibility of selecting a bidder and authorizing execution of a lease at the Dec. 8 board meeting.
The board is expected to consider the revised resolution Thursday.
The district’s maintenance department reported receiving 97 work orders during the reporting period, with 79 completed. Maintenance officials said the number of outstanding work orders has declined from earlier months when the department received between 200 and 300 requests.
The department reported electrical problems at Fairview and Lakeview following a scheduled power shutdown. At Fairview, the incident damaged a fire alarm panel that required replacement. At Lakeview, seven electrical contactors associated with lighting, freezers and kitchen equipment were damaged.
Officials also reported completion of fire panel inspections, fire extinguisher inspections and scheduled preventive maintenance.
HVAC replacement equipment has been ordered for the Marthaville gymnasium.
The department also reported water line repairs, minor issues identified during fire marshal and health inspections, and satisfactory testing results for retention ponds at Lakeview, Fairview and Marthaville.
The district’s human resources department reported that staffing levels remain relatively stable. Officials said efforts are continuing to recruit substitute teachers, including targeted advertising to increase the number of available substitutes.
The transportation department reported hiring two drivers during October, with another driver in training and two additional prospective drivers working toward obtaining permits.
Board members raised questions about transportation arrangements for students attending the district’s alternative education program. Officials explained that designated bus stops are used throughout the parish rather than providing door-to-door transportation. Additional stops may be considered when student locations require adjustments.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board will hold its next regular voting meeting Thursday, Nov. 12, when items discussed during the committee meeting are expected to be considered for approval.