LIVINGSTON, La. — The Dec. 18, 2025 Livingston Parish School Board meeting began with a heartwarming example of Christmas spirit before the board moved on to several important financial matters. As the audience settled in, President Stephen Link announced that board members wanted to recognize “a very special person” who “helps us tremendously in everything we do.” They presented a small thank-you gift to Secretary Tina McLin in appreciation for her hard work.
Once the meeting began in earnest, Superintendent Jody Purvis came forward to discuss the renewal of a lease agreement between PARDS (Parks and Recreation District 3) and the Livingston Parish School Board for the West Livingston School grounds. Purvis said the agreement has been in place since 1983 and gives PARDS complete usage of the facility in exchange for handling all upkeep. This arrangement releases the school board from liability for the property. The original lease was set for 15 years, but after discovering the board did not have a current lease on record, Purvis recommended renewing it for another 10 years. The board voted unanimously in favor.
Next, Jeff LaRosa of Coleman Partners Architects discussed Change Order No. 3 for the new Denham Springs High School fieldhouse. The change order totals 182,829 dollars and adds a 58-day extension, bringing the new total cost to 6,413,214 dollars with a projected completion date of Feb. 24, 2026.
Board Member Cecil Harris emphasized that this is the final change order and noted that while the amount may sound high, the adjustments came gradually over the course of the year due to the nature of the project. The board approved the change unanimously.
Because architect Chris Bankston was not present, President Link introduced the next item, which involved granting authority to advertise for bids for the new Albany Middle School gymnasium. The gym was part of a sales tax proposal approved several years ago. Link said the project represents a promise made to the community members who supported the tax. The board voted unanimously to move forward with the bidding process.
Don Simpson of Simpson Sports Engineering then asked the board to take action on the substantial completion of the Walker High School baseball and softball field upgrade project, which has been underway for some time. The board approved the item without discussion.
As noted in last month’s meeting, the main item on this agenda was the District Distribution Schedule for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The discussion sparked strong debate among board members, each offering perspectives on the two options for handling the budget.
Business Manager Ashley Aime explained that Option 1 would keep the per-pupil allocation used in the 2024–25 fiscal year, which distributes revenues according to the actual number of students in each district. Option 2 uses a weighted per-pupil model, similar to the state’s method for funding smaller districts, and applies an increased weight to students in those areas.
Harris argued firmly for Option 1, saying the district has 14 schools to support and that shifting funds under Option 2 could cause residents to feel their tax dollars are being diverted. He warned that such concerns could jeopardize future bond proposals.
Board Member Dr. Ronald McMorris supported Option 2, pointing out that every member represents all students parishwide and that the weighted model ensures support for smaller districts.
Robert Seals Jr. also advocated for Option 2, noting that the cost of building facilities for smaller populations often exceeds what a simple per-pupil formula would cover.
When asked for additional comments, Board Member Katelyn Cockerham said she had not been convinced that anything is fairer than the per-pupil method because more students create more expenses.
In the end, the roll-call vote resulted in 5 of 9 board members selecting Option 2 for the 2025–26 District Distribution Schedule.
Superintendent Purvis also presented a new set of performance-based contracts for board approval. One of the appointees, Russell Hutchinson, attended the meeting with his family and received congratulations from Purvis and the board. All contracts were approved unanimously. The list is as follows:
Russell Hutchinson, Principal of Holden
Joshua Ivy, Principal of Springfield Middle
Ashley Cook, Assistant Principal of Walker Elementary
In his closing comments, Purvis highlighted the many educators who received recognition for their dedication to students and the community. The LPPS "Of the Year" honorees are:
High School Principal of the Year: Wes Howard, Denham Springs High School
Middle School Principal of the Year: Brian Gunter, Westside Junior High
Elementary Principal of the Year: Lauren Kennedy, Juban Parc Elementary
Elementary Teacher of the Year: Courtney Blount, Frost School
Middle School Teacher of the Year: Cady Harrell, Southside Junior High School
High School Teacher of the Year: Cortney Haser, Denham Springs High School
New Teacher of the Year: Grace Reynerson, Live Oak High School
School Health Service Provider: Lacie Fontenot, Live Oak Middle School
Outstanding School Support Employee: Kimberly VanDinther, Walker Junior High School
