Future Looks Bright For Webster Parish Schools

Despite being in a rural area, the Webster Parish School Board is recruiting and retaining some of the best teachers in the Ark-La-Tex. A recent survey shows Webster Parish has some of the highest paid teachers in Louisiana. "We were #10 in the state as far as total teacher pay. And we were ahead of just about everybody in our area." said Superintendent Wayne "Butch" Williams. Williams says he goes to job fairs across the Ark-La-Tex looking for experienced educators. "We`re not just looking for people. We`re looking for good people and we`re real fortunate I think to do that. I think the salary schedule as it is makes that a possibility for us." The average pay for Webster Parish teachers is more than $41,000. Beginning teacher salaries start at just over $32,000. "It`s really put us in a situation where we can compete with the surrounding parishes for good teachers." But the Superintendent says he still faces some big challenges. "Finance. I think any Superintendent will tell you the uncertainty of the financial situation right now." Williams is still waiting for the state to determine parish funding, so he can set next year`s budget. And Hurricane Katrina has put a damper on recent improvement projects, like the renovation of Minden High School. "The prices went up a lot because of Katrina." said Principal Morris Busby. Demand is greater than supply for many important building materials. As a result, the project is falling behind schedule. "The shipping of the steel has has been delayed at different times." said Busby. The project is now expected to be completed by August of 2008. Once Minden High is finished, the parish plans to begin updating some of it`s elementary schools. Despite budget concerns the Superintendent says he`s always working to try to improve the system. And with quality educators, the Webster Parish School System is poised for success.