The Winn Parish School Board has taken what Supt. Al Simmons termed “the first step” towards the possibility of calling a fall tax election for the Calvin School District and soon, perhaps, in Winnfield’s.

In their March 3 session, members approved a resolution which, following state law, contains the barest of outlines that sets things in motion, meeting deadlines, to get general obligation bond issues on the ballot, if that is the direction they decide to go.  Simmons advised members that currently they don’t know for sure, don’t know how much they need to borrow, don’t know how many tax mills to ask.

“Our needs are great.  Our resources are limited.”  He pointed out that board plans would need to look towards education of our children for the next 20 years.  Business manager Jennifer Vidrine read the brief resolution including a public hearing date of May 5.

While Monday’s action did move ahead on the Calvin District, that of the Winnfield District was delayed.  “The board has the opportunity to create a Consolidated School District 12, combining the Winnfield and Atlanta districts,” said the superintendent.

He stressed that this action in itself would not levy a tax on any district or impose any existing tax from one district to the other.  He confirmed that if this is done, Atlanta would vote in the fall election, if called.  The school district, as well, has no relationship to an election voting district.  

In a roll call vote, all members agreed to the resolution to create the consolidated district.  Harry Scott was absent.

In discussion, members decried the report that a “sports complex” might be in their plans, some saying they hadn’t heard that mentioned.  There are no solid plans at the time as the board considers issues of maintenance and updates of aging buildings including the WSHS gymnasium.  

Once a plan is in hand, Michelle Carpenter observed that “we as School Board members are going to have to get out there and promote this.  Put it out there.”  Lacy McManus agreed that members must “get out and tell the public what this is about.”