The Allen Parish School Board took its oath of office and elected Kevin Tyler to his third year as president. Cathy Farris was named vice president, which she has held in the past along with serving as president of the board.
Then, Tyler appointed Karen Reed, Carolyn Manuel and Gregory Monceaux to the finance committee. Monceaux will serve as chairman. They will meet on Wednesday prior to the board meeting and on the week after the meeting on Wednesday. Board meetings will continue at 5 p.m. on the second Monday of the month. Sally Moreaux was named as a representative to the Allen Action Agency Board.
Superintendent Kent Reed’s report to the board included the second semester beginning on Tuesday (January 10) and report cards going home on Thursday, January 12. He also noted January was School Board Appreciation Month and thanked the board members for their service.
Reed welcomed new teachers to the district. Laca Lewis will start at Reeves High as a kindergarten teacher and Caylee Storer as a middle school ELA teacher at Oberlin High and softball coach. Ernie Bertrand will teach seventh grade math at Oakdale Middle.
Michelle Wagnon explained the ratings for the parish’s Pre-K program were at 5.68 high proficiency making Allen seventh in the state. “You are a gem, and we are lucky to have you in Allen Parish,” Reed said.
Brad Soileau gave an update for Marla Sanders on the Student and Teacher of the year programs.
Reed reviewed six objectives the parish will work toward “If we will improved in these six things, this is the pathway and roadmap to our district becoming an A district,” he said in regards to the District Performance Goal. The parish was at 84.5 and he wants the parish to be at a 90. Those objectives included continuing the district’s participation in NIET; improving overall assessment index; building a strong early childhood program; assuring the literacy program improves reading growth; effectively using all available resources and providing all high school students the opportunity to gain a statewide credential.
Reed also recognized Kenney Courville, who will be inducted into the Louisiana Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame Friday, January 13.
In other business, the board:
•Heard from Brooke LaFargue, who oversees the 4-H program in the parish and her Jr. Leaders. She said there are 500 students enrolled in 4-H this year. They are preparing for their Livestock Show this weekend, January 14. She said this is the second year, 4-H is online and doing well. She conducted a baby-sitting class recently, and they are planning on Cloves and Canvas and shooting sports in the future. The Junior Leadership program has $1,000 to participate in an entrepreneurship program. She said they will start a lemonade stand and work and compete with Evangeline Parish. She added this year 56 girls and 30 boys would be attending camp, and she is looking for parent volunteers.
•Approved revisions to the 2022-2023 Pupil Progression Plan that will provided for summer school classes for those students in grades three to four that do not pass literacy. Reed said new regulations will offer students retention or an option to pass based on many facts.
•Approved out-of-state trip for Pam Leboeuf, Lauri Phillips and Marsha Chaisson to attend the National Conference: Elevating Educators on March 23-24 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
•Authorized the superintendent to advertise for special education paras at Oakdale Middle, Oakdale Elementary and Kinder Elementary.
•Approved the minutes of December 12, meeting.
•Approved payment of bills.
