The Allen Parish School Board received highlights from the annual District and School Performance Scores at Monday’s meeting, which were later posted to social media.
The district, which was ranked 22nd in the state, gained three points going from 84.5 to an 84.8 or a B. The district was above the state’s score. Louisiana’s average SPS score was 78.5 for 2023 (above the state’s pre-pandemic index of 76.1 in 2018).
Some of the highlights noted by Marla Sanders, supervisor of instructional support K-8, included eight of the 11 schools showed growth over the past year. Three schools were in decline. Oberlin Elementary grew 6.6 points and Oakdale Middle grew 5.2 points.
Two schools, Oakdale Elementary and Kinder Middle, labeled UIR (Urgent Intervention Required) last year moved up to the UIN (Urgent Intervention Needed) label. Two schools, Kinder Elementary (KES) and Oakdale Middle (OkMS) moved into intervention. KES was labeled UIN, and OkMS moved from UIN to UIR.
Top Gains Schools recognized were Fairview High, Kinder Elementary, Kinder High and Oakdale Elementary. They have excellence in student progress from one year to the next, Sanders explained, but are not in UIR for any reason.
“I think it is notable to point out that the Louisiana Department of Education will be changing the letter grade scale for schools next year, which could possibly have a significant impact on our parish, as well as schools,” Sanders said.
“We are proud of our schools and their dedication to their craft and students. We will continue to promote best practices in our schools and classrooms and continue to build and support our leaders, teachers and staff to deliver outstanding education to our students.”
Superintendent Brad Soileau said the district still had a lot of work to do. He said the district needed to improve its assessment index.
The district posted its school’s individual grades. Fairview (98.2) and Oakdale High (99.2) both received a letter grade of A. Receiving a B were Elizabeth High (85.8), Kinder Elementary (79), Kinder High (89.5), Kinder Middle (82.9), Oberlin Elementary (79.3), Oberlin High (88.3) and Reeves High (77.7). Receiving a C were Oakdale Elementary (70.5) and Oakdale Middle (64.8).
Early childhood data released placed Allen Parish fourth overall in the state growing 2/10 of a point. The parish’s score was 5.9 with a high proficient rating, according to Michelle Wagnon, supervisor of early childhood. There were no unsatisfactory marks.
Jerrie LeDoux, community liaison with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s office, addressed the board. She wanted to discuss the ways Johnson’s office can interact with schools. Johnson can make nominations to the service academies – Naval, Air Force, Merchant Marine and West Point.
Ledoux said there is the congressional app challenge, which gives students the opportunity to showcase participation in STEM education projects and computer science. There’s the congressional art competition. Last year, they had 105 entries and the winner was from Leesville and third place from Pine Prairie.
She encouraged the board and district to reach out if Johnson can assist them. She said if she never heard from someone, then how can she help them.
Lori Marto and Patricia Hobbs with the LSU Ag Extension Office discussed programs they are administering in the schools. Marto said the inverted food pyramid is in the past, and now they are using the nutrition plate to teach students about developing healthy eating habits. She is meeting with second to sixth grade students and discussing healthy eating habits to reduce or end obesity, Type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
She said after discussing what to eat, they always try to include a physical activity. She said they can do 30-minute programs. They also have books on nutrition. They are working on adult and children classes, so they can learn together and practice good eating habits together. They do after-school activities.
Marto said the kids love their programs. “It’s different; it’s needed; it’s a break in the day.”
The board approved its minutes of the October 9, meeting; approved payment of bills authorized by finance committee; and authorized the superintendent to sign a Joint Service Agreement with Elizabeth Recreation District for repairs and improvements to its swimming pool.
The board also adopted revisions for its service animals and public conduct on school property policies.
