The Allen Parish School Board heard updates from programs in the district, elected leaders and received information at Monday’s meeting.
Brooke LaFargue, LSU AgCenter Assistant Extension Agent, presented an update on programs associated with 4-H. She brought Brayden Chambers, Ava LaFargue, Marley Wier, Henry Prejean, Brylee Manuel and Elie Manuel, all jr. leaders, to assist her in sharing the opportunities available to students in the program. Kayla Manuel also assisted since some students were out due to sickness.
There are 600 members in the program this year. She thanked board members for their support of the program. She said they have had some successful projects like a Fall Festival, a sweet potato fund raiser, workshops, livestock and the upcoming summer camp.
Junior leaders added students can build community skills, leadership skills, building, livestock, character skills, etc. through the many programs associated with 4-H.
Crystal Prejean, a nutrition education and parent instructor, also gave an update on her work at area schools through the Family and Consumer Science Department. She focuses on healthy eating and physical fitness.
Jacob Dillehay discussed the redistricting plans and encouraged board members to attend the police jury hearing from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, February 7, where the options will be reviewed.
Marla Sanders, instructional supervisor K-4, gave an update on the 2023 Teacher and 2022 Student of the Year nominees for the district that are moving on in the process. The teachers going to the state competition are Maghan Chamberlain, elementary – Oberlin Elementary; Nicole Robinson, middle – Oakdale Middle; and Emily LaFauci, high school – Oakdale High School. Students going to the regional and then state competitions are Georgia Miller, fifth – Oakdale Middle; Maggie Sampey, eighth – Fairview High; and Kallie Pitre, 12th – Fairview High. She added Stephanie Perry, Fairview High, will be moving to the state competition as the parish’s Principal of the Year.
Kim Rider, CTE and Technology Coordinator, is keeping track of the reading program through the Renaissance Program. She said Allen Parish has read 15,438 books which means 92,270,456 words. The data indicates the average student is reading for eight minutes each day.
Kevin Tyler was selected board president again. Cathy Farris was named vice president. Finance committee members named were Karen Reed, chairman, Cathy Farris and Gregory Monceaux. Sally Moreau was appointed to represent the board on the Allen Action Agency Board.
Superintendent Kent Reed named seven goals he is working toward, including asking Michelle Wagnon, Early Childhood coordinator, to give an update on the early childhood education which he would like to see grow. There are 273 students in Pre-K and 15 in the three-year-old program. He wants to continue growing the parish’s assessment data for all students and set rigorous goals for their performance, continue supporting principals and teachers to assure students are receiving a quality education, provide high students with many opportunities, review the district’s salary schedule, recruit certified teachers and grow a base through students interested in education and continue repairs to the schools by staying on top of maintenance issues.
In his report, Reed also included:
•An appreciation to board members for their service since January is School Board Appreciation Month.
•An update on Covid cases in the parish and how those students are quarantined for five days and then must wear a mask for the next first five days when they return to school.
•Invited the board to the Teacher of the Year luncheon.
•Announced they would be losing Tammi Ritchie as finance director at the end of the month. He thanked her for a great job.
In other business, the board:
•Accepted the base bid in the amount of $648,000 from GeoSurfaces Inc. for the running track improvements in Oberlin which will give the parish the opportunity to hold track competitions. Reed said after looking at all bids, they were steep so they revisited the project and made some cuts. The board also approved the first change order which decreased the bid by $136,000 making it $512,000.
•Authorized the superintendent to advertise for bids to replace the Reeves High School roof, which was damaged by Hurricane Laura.
•Approved a policy revision for Policy GBRIBC.
