The Winn Parish School Board at its December session announced plans to call a parishwide maintenance tax election when they meet again in January.  That election would be placed on the April ballot.

As this was just an announcement of intent, there were no details yet on the amount or duration of that call.  The current issue was a 10-year, 8.15-mill tax that will expire at the end of December.  For the school system to receive funding next year, the tax proposal would have to be approved by voters during 2024.

The board had hoped to win approval for the renewal plus a 1.10-mill increase in a call on the April ballot this year but it did not pass on a low voter turnout.  

“As the name suggests, money from this maintenance tax is used to maintain things across the district: air conditioners, floors, roofs, cleaning supplies, several maintenance salaries, you name it,” said Supt. Alfred Simmons.  “The additional amount that was sought by the board probably would not have been enough to cover inflation over the past year alone much less the past 10 years.”

Also on the board’s January agenda would be a tax call for Consolidated School District 11 (Sikes and Dodson) for general obligation bonds for capital improvements.  This 20-year issue would be voted only in that district.  Details will be given in January.

The School Spotlight at the board’s December meeting was on Winnfield Senior High School where students in 4-H and FFA were recognized.  In 4-H, four students made up the state championship team in Consumer Decision-Making and will go to the national competition in San Antonio on January 12.  Recognized were Ellie Joe Bryant, Raelynn Bartlett, Riley Lawson and Bella O’Bannon.

For FFA, the board was introduced to students who participated in National FFA events.  Jasmine Jones received a bronze emblem for participation in Prepared Speaking, Annie Heard received a bronze emblem for participating in Extemporaneous Speaking and Lauren Poole received a silver emblem for participating in Employment Skills.  Two students, Breanna Pray and Emily Nevils, took part by documenting the event while Alyssa Vanblaricum, as Louisiana FFA vice president, served as a delegate at the National Convention.