ALLEN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Left to right, Kent Reed, Clarice Papillion, Brad Soileau, Mike Doucet and Paul Hopkins

Brad Soileau, Oakdale High Principal, has been selected by the Louisiana Department of Education as one of only 24 candidates for the 2020 Teacher (Principal) of the Year. That is an incredible achievement and we salute you! On behalf of the Board of Directors of Dream Teachers, Brad was presented with this congratulatory gift to honor his accomplishment. This is the first of more recognition to come. Brad has been invited by the Dream Teachers and the First Lady of Louisiana to attend a reception at the Governor’s Mansion on May 23rd where the finalists will be announced. Then, on July 19^th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge, he will be honored at the 13^th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards. This event is known as the “Oscars of Louisiana Educators”! Dream Teachers, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by recognizing and rewarding outstanding educators in the state.
 

Kent Reed selected as the new Superintendent of the Allen Parish School District

Kent, 56, who is currently the supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance and transportation and personnel, was unanimously elected Monday. He will replace Michael Doucet who will step down as superintendent in June after serving 20 years as superintendent and 38 years in education.

“I feel like I have been going to school all my life,” Reed joked after the meeting.

Left to right, daughter in-law Karli, son Justin, wife Alison, Kent Reed, son Wesley, daughter Catherine and her fiancé Drewe

He was one of two applicants for the position. The other applicant was former Oberlin High School principal Larry Alexander, who currently works as a career and technical education director for the Lafayette Parish School System.

Mr. Reed has more than 23 years with the Allen Parish School system, including seven years with the School Board. He was a high school English teacher and coach for nine years; an assistant principal for eight years and high school principal for 10 years. He has also served as a career and technology supervisor.

Mr. Reed said he appreciated the School Board’s support and is looking forward to working with each of the board members and moving the district forward.

“I am very humble and honored to be named superintendent,” he said. “ I want to make sure we can continue the great work we have done in the past. We have an excellent school system and I want that to continue.”

Among his biggest projects, Mr. Reed said he wants to see the rebuilding of the new Oakdale Elementary School finished and  renovations begin at Kinder Elementary and High School. He also looks forward to working to recruit and hire good teachers for the next school year.

School Board President Cathy Farris said she was impressed with both applicants and is looking forward to a smooth change in leadership.

“I am hoping the transition will be smooth and there won’t be many bumps,” she said. “He has been here long enough and working under good leadership for at least 20 years. Good leadership is learned, not taught and I think he has learned a lot from Mr. Doucet.”

Doucet said Mr. Reed is an excellent choice and has worked along side him for a long time.

“I know he will do a good job,” Doucet said.

Student’s of the year for Allen Parish were recognized at the March School Board meeting.

Left to right, Michael Doucet – Allen Parish Superintendent, 5^th Grade Laynee Morrow – (Fairview High School), 12^th Grade Melody Melder – (Elizabeth High School) and 8^th Grade Abigail Serna – (Oakdale Middle School).

In the backgorund is Carolyn Manuel, school board member.

Congratulations to the winners!

A huge thank you goes to all the school selection committees. The students that were selected as the school winners were excellent candidates. The quality of the portfolios, as well as the courage, poise, and communicative talent exhibited by the students in their interviews, made the job of the parish selection committee very difficult.

Each school’s Student of the Year are listed below.

The Fifth Grade representatives are:

Elizabeth High - Draven William Gauge Upshaw

Fairview High - Laynee Claire Morrow

Kinder Middle - Jolie Rose Bertrand

Oakdale Middle - Alyssa Brooke Cloud

Oberlin Elementary - Tristan Michael Reed

Reeves High - Lauren Meredith Lenhart

The Eighth Grade representatives are:

Elizabeth High - Ali Claire Christ

Fairview High – Claire Elise Landry

Kinder Middle - Hadley Ann Lemons

Oakdale Middle - Abigail Victoria Leigh Serna

Oberlin High - Erin Nicole Manuel

Reeves High School - Kyndal Lyn Gill

The Twelfth Grade representatives are:

Elizabeth High - Melody Danielle Melder

Fairview High - Abbigail Elizabeth Noblitt

Kinder High - Kaytlin Conner Davis

Oakdale High - Bruce Kade Micelle

Oberlin High - Timothy James Meaux

Reeves High - Kyle Hayden Perkins