The Bossier Parish School Board authorized execution of a three-year contract to provide employee mental health counseling services through the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of Northwest Louisiana, doing business as EAP of Louisiana, at an annual fee of $29,200.

Why it matters: Employee assistance programs provide counseling and mental-health supports that the district offers to its employees; stabilizing access to these services can affect staff well-being and retention.

Chief Procurement Officer Carrie Douglas told the board the district has provided the service for years and that the proposed contract would continue the same terms, conditions and annual price as the expiring contract. Board members confirmed employees use the service; Douglas and a board member confirmed utilization in response to a question from Miss Brotherton.

Motion and outcome: A motion to authorize the superintendent to execute the contract was made by Robert Bertrand and seconded by Glenn Bullard; the board recorded “Motion passes.” The transcript does not include a roll-call tally.

Next steps: The superintendent will execute the contract and staff will continue to provide the EAP to employees under the same terms and price described in the meeting.