3 recognized as top AR readers

A new school year is in full effect in Acadia Parish, but accolades from the 2013-14 school year continue to go strong at the Acadia Parish School Board monthly meetings.

Case in point: Monday night in Crowley as the board recognized and presented awards to the Top Accelerated Readers at the elementary, middle and high school levels who are the top three point earners in the district.

Awards were presented to Owen LeJeune (Egan Elementary - elementary school level), Damon Richard (Richard Elementary - middle school level) and Samantha Delahoussaye (Iota High - high school level) during opening items of the board’s September meeting.

Margaret S. Jones, executive director of curriculum, spoke highly of the program that has been in the district’s elementary and middle schools, as well as one high school, for many years and has been part of the parish’s push to make sure Acadia Parish students are not only enjoying reading but improving their comprehension.

“I think this program has been very beneficial for our students,” said Jones.

Jones also put forth a special recognition to the librarians in attendance for the meeting as it is the librarians that help oversee the programs at the school level.

In action items, the board approved the changes in policy changed by legislation this year. The move was favorably recommended by the Personnel, Insurance and Curriculum Committee and was unanimously approved Monday night.

The action moved on to routine items afterward. 

The board approved the change of a staff development day from Monday, Oct. 20, to Tuesday, Nov. 4. The change occurred due to election day activities and Louisiana election day being a part of Super Tuesday Elections now. The change was recommended by the Personnel, Insurance and Curriculum Committee. The committee also recommended that the changes in the Pupil Progression Plan for 2014-15 be approved by the full board, they were, unanimously.

As the board moved onto Budget & Finance Committee recommendations, the head start building’s re-roofing project proved to be a point of contention, but because the board wants to make sure it has more information. It has been tabled to a special meeting, likely set for Wednesday, Sept. 17.

In other business, the following Budget and Finance Committee recommendations were among the approved items:

• Six cafeteria cameras and to provide food services a way to oversee the facilities. The contract is to be $6,000 to $9,900. Cost will depend on current camera systems at schools. Approved unanimously.

• Steve Duplechin recommended as the Board’s USDA representative. Approved unanimously.

Finally, the board unanimously approved the Iota High Golden Dance Team’s travel to Orlando in January 2015 to perform at Walt Disney World. 

Also during the meeting’s opening items, two candidates for political office, Keith Stutes and Burleigh Doga, spoke to the board.

The board’s October meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 6. Committee meetings will be held Sept. 17; they will follow the special meeting set to be called.