Students at the top of their game were introduced to school board members after recently qualifying to compete at the national level in horse judging and creed speaking.
Board members welcomed Kinder High’s Sullivan Fontenot and his students, who recently placed at the state level in competition. Sophie Bruchhaus was named the Louisiana State Champion Creed Speaker, a contest for freshmen in ag. She gave her speech to the board discussing challenges of living an agriculture life. She will compete at the national level in October.
Fontenot also introduced the board to two FFA horse judging teams. One placed first, qualifying them for the national competition, and the other team placed fourth out of 35 competing teams at the state level.
Fontenot said he appreciated the efforts his students have put forth. He also thanked parents and volunteers, family and friends, who have helped these students succeed. “Y’all want a product and we’re delivering that product right there,” he said as he pointed to the students and complimented them on developing character traits that will make them succeed in life.
Superintendent Brad Soileau also complimented Fontenot on the work he does with these students and the achievements they continue to bring before the school board.
There were no findings in the district’s annual audit for FY 2022-2023, according to Casey Ardoin with Kolder, Slaven and Company LLC.
“That is very difficult to accomplish in a government entity of this size,” Ardoin said. “I really believe it is something you should be proud of. It’s a job well done.”
In Ardoin’s review, he pointed out a clean or unmodified opinion was given. In assets, the board had approximately $38 million on hand with $24,020,170 million in its general fund. Total revenues in the general fund was at $46,557,593 with expenditures at $47,494,750. The fund balance began at $17,624,631 and ended at $18,091,471. Total revenues for all funds was at $66,913,270 with expenditures at $66,312,773. The fund balance began at $28,806,805, and ended with $29,407.302.
Stephanie Perry, supervisor of personnel, explained changes to the district calendar, which was approved.
Perry pointed out issues they faced during the school year, and why it was implemented in next year’s calendar. Soileau also posted the new calendar on the district’s web page.
Perry discussed testing window dates, preparing new teachers and support teams, etc.
Stacy Weldon, Literacy, discussed upcoming testing and scores and the parish’s plan to promote literacy. She said they have been invited back to the state to demonstrate their program. The state has paralleled the district’s plan to incorporate across the state. New rules will go into effect this year concerning third grade retention.
Mardi Gras holidays will be observed February 12, to February 14.
The board will be attending the LSBA convention in March, so the March meeting will be held on the first Monday of the month.
In other business, the board:
•Approved payment of bills.
•Approved minutes for the its January 8, meeting.
•Agreed to sell surplus of a golf cart and lawnmower at Oberlin High.
•Approved the district hearing officer list.
•Approved out-of-state field trips for three Fariview classes in fourth and fifth grade to Shangri La Gardens in Orange Texas, and for Kinder High FFA students to attend the Houston Rodeo on March 5.
