Dodson High School’s parking lot, pending leadership changes and strategies to keep more students in class topped the Winn Parish School Board’s Oct. 6 agenda.

Members recapped a report on Dr. Bob Jordan, Chief Technology Officer, addressing full and half day attendance requirements, chronic absenteeism and the Louisiana Department of Education’s Power of Presence initiative. Jordan plans to share a series of approved articles with the Journal in the coming weeks to better direct ongoing questions and concerns regarding the issue.

The board confirmed that the one-time state stipends for certificated and uncertificated employees were paid Oct. 3 and accepted the Sept. 29 committee recommendation to transfer former Supt Al Simmons’ duties to Supt-elect Troy Bell on Oct. 15. Simmons will remain employed through his Dec. 31 retirement to provide consultation as needed.

Dodson High School’s parking lot project moved forward with an alternate concrete bid from Highway Safety Solutions, LLC at $1.37 million among the five other placed during Mondays bid conference. The low base bid for asphalt was $1.15 million, by Tudor, Inc though the board opted for concrete choosing durability and a more manageable construction window from November through March. Plans call for drainage upgrades, tying into the existing lot and creating more accessible handicap space.

Enrollment stands at 1,647 students districtwide (1,563 based on MFP funding, which does not include Pre-K), according to Supt-elect Troy Bell. Discussion following the report focused on keeping students in the district by improving parent communications, expanding vocational pathways, boosting outreach and enhancing athletic departments.

The meeting concluded with heartfelt thanks to former Supt. Al Simmons for the years spent serving the district and his willingness to stay on and ensure a steady handover.