NEWS

OPSB moves forward for free student meals

Barbara Leader
bleader@thenewsstar.com

The Ouachita Parish School Board will seek state approval for free meals for all students in at least 15 of its schools through the Louisiana Department of Education.

The board voted unanimously in a Tuesday meeting to move forward with the application for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision program.

Under the feeding program, all of the district’s Title 1 schools would qualify for all students to receive free breakfast and lunch.

Food Nutrition Supervisor JoLynne Correro said the district should hear from the state Department of Education in September about whether the schools are approved.

In other business, the board approved moving forward immediately with repairs to the West Monroe High School Auditorium, which sustained extensive damage during a recent thunderstorm.

Architect Tim Brandon reported that roof repairs are moving forward at Sterlington Elementary where it was determined that at least 60 percent of the school’s flat roof did not meet manufacturer’s specifications.

The repairs are being made at no cost to the district. Expenses will be covered by the bonding company for the roofing contractor.

Rosemary and Randy Ewing received the district’s A-Plus award for contributions to the district.

The Ewings’ foundation established a reading remediation program at Riverbend Elementary. The program has since expanded to include other schools.

Also receiving recognition were Riser Middle School Principal Rodney Lloyd, who received the Generation Ready School Improvement Award, Brenda Deason who retired from the district after 23 years, and board member Red Sims, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday. Sims declined to reveal how old he is.

Follow Barbara Leader on Twitter @barbaraleader1.