West Feliciana Schools Achieve Top Rank for Second Year

The West Feliciana Parish school system has maintained its status as the top-ranked district in Louisiana for the second consecutive year, according to school accountability scores released on November 18, 2024. The district achieved an impressive performance score of 97.7 for the 2024-25 school year, retaining its letter grade of “A.” This score, although slightly lower than last year’s 98.3, still places West Feliciana ahead of the second-ranked Plaquemines Parish, which scored 97.6.

The accountability scores reflect the district’s commitment to student achievement, as highlighted by Superintendent Hollis Milton. He expressed enthusiasm about the consistent performance, stating, “Next year everything changes, so we are thrilled to do it twice.” The rankings underscore the district’s educational strategies and community support.

Performance Breakdown of Schools

The school board also reviewed the performance of individual schools within the district. According to Jodi Lemoine, the district’s accountability director, the three schools graded under the state program received the following scores:

– Bains Elementary: 91.4 (Grade: A)
– West Feliciana Middle School: 83.9 (Grade: B)
– West Feliciana High School: 109.9 (Grade: A)

These results reflect the ongoing efforts to enhance educational outcomes across all levels. The board met to discuss these achievements before the official release of the state rankings, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and community engagement.

Leadership Changes and Contract Extensions

In a related matter, the West Feliciana Parish School Board has approved a one-year contract extension for Superintendent Hollis Milton. This decision comes after he received the highest evaluation score of his tenure, a commendable 3.77 out of a possible 4.0. Milton’s contract, originally set to expire on June 30, 2027, has now been extended to June 30, 2028.

Milton explained his request for the extension, citing substantial changes anticipated in the school board’s membership following the 2026 elections. “I had previously told them that when I received the last extension that I would retire at 55,” he noted. “However, I recently recognized that this timeline might be a challenge for the district as a majority of the board members will change all at the same time.”

Due to state laws on term limits, four of the seven board members will be ineligible to run for office next year, which Milton believes warrants his continued leadership during this transitional period. His current salary will remain unchanged, but he will be eligible for any district-wide salary increases going forward.

The board’s decision to extend Milton’s contract reflects their confidence in his leadership. “I’m grateful for the extension and humbled by the highest evaluation score that I have received in 15 years of service,” he stated after the meeting. “I will continue to give my best, and I hope to keep moving the district forward for the next three years.”

Additionally, the board is considering increasing member compensation from $550 to the state maximum of $800 per month at their upcoming meeting on December 16, 2024. Milton has advocated for this increase, noting that board members have not received a pay raise in nearly a decade. He highlighted that neighboring districts are currently compensating their board members at the maximum rate, fostering a competitive environment for attracting dedicated officials.

The forthcoming decisions reflect the board’s commitment to both educational excellence and the well-being of its members, paving the way for a promising future for the West Feliciana Parish school system.