Marla Sanders

The board recognized several students for academic achievements, including perfect LEAP scores, Beta Convention successes, and Student of the Year awards. Presentations included the annual report and recognition of livestock show champions. The board approved the payment of bills, an amendment to the Education Excellence Grant, a new job description for the Student Support Services Director, and revisions to policies regarding complaints and grievances. Additionally, the board approved the District Hearing Officer list and several out-of-state travel requests for staff to attend various educational conferences and summits. The superintendent provided updates on upcoming events, including graduation arrangements, tax renewals, a career fair, and district staffing.

The board meeting included recognitions for School-Level and District-Level Teachers of the Year, as well as students who participated in the Regional STEM Competition. Financial business included the payment of bills and the approval of the amended 2025-2026 salary schedule. The board authorized the advertisement for formal sealed bids for food, cleaning supplies, and other goods for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the board approved a resolution regarding the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, as well as several out-of-state travel requests for staff and the Kinder High School girls basketball team to attend conferences and athletic camps.

The board meeting included recognitions of student achievements in rodeo and various teacher of the year awards. Presentations covered a family engagement language class and early childhood education performance profiles. The board voted to extend the Superintendent's contract and adopted the 2026 millage rates and 2026-2027 salary schedules. Additional actions included authorizing contracts for Rapides Foundation grants, selecting an official journal, and approving an out-of-state teacher trip. The superintendent provided reports on staffing retention, summer camps, discipline, and facility projects.

The Advisory Board meeting featured updates on professional development and student support initiatives, including comprehensive advising officer training, student networking events, and graduation celebrations. The discussion highlighted collaborations with various community organizations for job fairs, re-entry services for justice-involved individuals, and outreach to veterans and active-duty military personnel. The board also reviewed marketing and social media engagement metrics, the status of website transitions, and plans for upcoming outreach events. Additionally, legislative updates regarding TOPS Tech programs and 529 plan funds were discussed, along with ongoing partnership engagements with institutions like Penn State and local schools.

The board met in an executive session to deliberate on the terms of the contract for the Superintendent-Elect. Following the session, the board reconvened and granted authorization for the president to sign the contract for the Superintendent-Elect.