DeSoto Parish School Board approves budgets and policies, honors state softball champions and staff
May 08, 2026 | DeSoto Parish, School Boards, Louisiana
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The DeSoto Parish School Board met on May 7, 2026, approved several routine finance and policy items by unanimous votes and opened the meeting by honoring students and staff.
At the start of the meeting the board and Superintendent Corley recognized the North DeSoto High School Lady Griffins as the 2026 LHSAA Division II Non-Select state softball champions and invited Coach Tim Whitman to accept an appreciation token. Coach Whitman thanked the board and credited district support for success in both academics and athletics.
Miss Phillips presented the district’s employees and leaders of the month, naming Lakesha Smith (custodial staff), Katy Allen (teacher), Amy Petrillo (teacher) and Lindsey Berford (assistant principal) and reading citations for their work.
On procedural business, the board approved the minutes of the April 9, 2026 regular meeting after a motion from Dr. Neil and a second from Miss Maywe.
The finance and operating committee report (April 23) was presented by board member Donnie Dufour and approved by the board. The board then took three separate finance votes: a motion by Miss Toma (seconded by Coach Marane) to approve budget provisions to the general fund; a motion by Miss Thomas (seconded by Mr. Glenn) to accept the financial and compliance audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and a motion by Dr. Neil (seconded by Pastor Mark) to approve the Sales Tax Commission budget for 2026–27. Each motion passed by voice/show of hands with no recorded dissent.
Mr. Ford presented two policies — Policy BC (school board meetings) and Policy FDC (naming of facilities). Mr. Glenn moved and Donnie Dufour seconded the motion to approve both policies; the board approved them unanimously.
Superintendent Corley introduced Derek Dees as the district’s newly appointed sales tax administrator and thanked him for attending the meeting.
The meeting adjourned after final remarks and routine closing business.
At the start of the meeting the board and Superintendent Corley recognized the North DeSoto High School Lady Griffins as the 2026 LHSAA Division II Non-Select state softball champions and invited Coach Tim Whitman to accept an appreciation token. Coach Whitman thanked the board and credited district support for success in both academics and athletics.
Miss Phillips presented the district’s employees and leaders of the month, naming Lakesha Smith (custodial staff), Katy Allen (teacher), Amy Petrillo (teacher) and Lindsey Berford (assistant principal) and reading citations for their work.
On procedural business, the board approved the minutes of the April 9, 2026 regular meeting after a motion from Dr. Neil and a second from Miss Maywe.
The finance and operating committee report (April 23) was presented by board member Donnie Dufour and approved by the board. The board then took three separate finance votes: a motion by Miss Toma (seconded by Coach Marane) to approve budget provisions to the general fund; a motion by Miss Thomas (seconded by Mr. Glenn) to accept the financial and compliance audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and a motion by Dr. Neil (seconded by Pastor Mark) to approve the Sales Tax Commission budget for 2026–27. Each motion passed by voice/show of hands with no recorded dissent.
Mr. Ford presented two policies — Policy BC (school board meetings) and Policy FDC (naming of facilities). Mr. Glenn moved and Donnie Dufour seconded the motion to approve both policies; the board approved them unanimously.
Superintendent Corley introduced Derek Dees as the district’s newly appointed sales tax administrator and thanked him for attending the meeting.
The meeting adjourned after final remarks and routine closing business.
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