At the December 11 School Board meeting, item twelve on the agenda was to consider and possibly take action on ADA Carbon Solution’s ITEP application. This application, if approved, would give ADA an 80% reduction of parish taxes on a proposed expansion to the manufacturing plant.

Speaking for ADA were Yancy LeGrande and CEO Bob Rasmus. Both discussed how the expansion would improve the ADA and the parish. They offered that they were ready to answer any questions from the Board.

The Board took a roll call vote, and the agenda item passed unanimously.

The next item on the agenda was to consider and possibly take action to approve Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with ADA Carbon Solutions (Red River), LLC. At this time, Mike Busada, the attorney representing the Board, addressed the group and discussed that an agreement had been written and was now in the hands of the Board for approval. “This agreement is of benefit to both parties. This is to incentivize the growth of the schools and the business.” He added that the agreement would allow for opportunities for kids and enhance school offerings.

Mrs. Susan Taylor commended Mrs. Alison Strong for diligently securing an agreement that would benefit everyone. Taylor stated, “I know Mrs. Strong has worked day and night for several weeks to find something to help students. We appreciate all that you have done.”

Cleve Miller addressed his comments to ADA CEO Rasmus. “We Appreciate the willingness of ADA to negotiate with us and to find common ground that will help us all.”

After these comments, President Cox asked for a roll call vote on the measure. The item passes unanimously. Sheriff Glen Edwards and Parish Administrator Jessie Davis were in attendance at the meeting. They requested a copy of the agreement, and Mrs. Strong said it would be available through a public records request. The Journal is submitting a public records request for the complete deal this week.

In other business before the Board, Commander Ross Gamble and the Young Marines offered Mrs. Strong and the Board a framed memento of the charter for the organization along with a picture of the charter members of this group.

The Board approved a resolution certifying that all of them had completed the necessary training hours for the year. Everyone had more than the six needed. The Board also heard from J.C. Dickey on a proposed work-based learning program for students at Red River High that will begin with maintenance shadowing and increase to several additional areas of the vocational offerings soon.

The meeting adjourned with a wish from President Valerie Cox for everyone to have a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season.