By Carolyn Roy, carolyn@natchitochestimes.com
The Shining Stars really shone at the school board committee meeting Tuesday and regular meeting Thursday. A total of 231 parish students have been designated Shining Stars for scoring in the top 5 percent on the Leap 20-25 state accountability tests. Of the total, 98 received Shining Stars Awards in English/language arts, 43 in math and 44 in social studies. Thirty-six scored in the triple advance category for ELA, math and social studies. They received silver medals and certificates. Ten students received perfect scores including one in social studies, six in ELA, one in algebra and social studies and one in algebra. They received gold medals and certificates.
District Testing Coordinator Jennifer Ingram coordinated the recognition of the star students, many of whom received their certificates and medals from Supt. Dale Skinner before they walked the “horse shoe” to shake hands with board members who offered their congratulations and thanks for their achievement. The students and their parents were treated to a pizza reception following their introductions. Ingram said testing is now year-round, beginning when school starts.
The periodic evaluations determine where students are deficient. Students are tested on paper until the third grade when they begin on paper but transition to computers after practices and keyboarding instruction. From fourth grade up they test on computers. Practice tests are available online for students from kindergarten through second grades.
In other business, Provencal board member Russ Danzy asked the board to consider reallocating tax money collected in the Cloutierville district to Provencal Elementary/Jr. High and city schools.
As of last week, there were 85 students attending Provencal who previously attended school in Cloutierville. About 115 of the Cloutierville students attend city schools. Danzy said a number of his constituents were aware of the increase in the number of students at Provencal and were asking him about using the additional tax money, based on student count, since the school is at capacity for attendance.
Supervisor of Finance Richard Foshee said approximately $400,000 is in the Cloutierville Building, Renovation and Equipment (BRE) account but some of it is being used for utilities and other items at the school. The millage that supports the tax will expire in 2019. Thursday, The board tabled a motion to move the money until it gets a legal opinion. The question is whether money voted on in the Cloutierville district can be used for another district. The board voted to advertise for asbestos removal at the old Magnet School site. The school board built the building in 1961 on Northwestern State property. Skinner said he hoped it can be demolished as soon as possible.
The board voted to accept the low bid of $153,760 from Rimmer Electric Inc. of Shreveport for three signs at Fairview Alpha, Lakeview and Marthaville schools. The only other bid was from BW Electric of La., in Shreveport for $230,000. The signs should be in place by the end of the year.
Skinner announced the hiring of a district technology coordinator, Mike Cozad. Skinner said the coordinator had “10,000 items to keep up with.” Joy Dove is the new director of the El Camino Real Boys and Girls Club and was at the meeting to offer tutoring services. “We’re here and we’re available,” she said. Skinner and the board members seemed receptive to additional tutoring opportunities. Dove will meet with Skinner to work out the details. School Board Mason District Testing Coordinator Jennifer Ingram presented a Shining Star certificate to Mason Broadway at the school board meeting Thursday. Mason attends Marthaville. He scored in the top 5 percent in English/language arts. He was among 231 parish students named Shining Stars. Many of the stars received their awards at the school board meetings Tuesday and Thursday.
