August 14, 2023, the Red River Parish School Board meeting began with a presentation that honored community partners for the district. Superintendent Strong thanked International Paper, Campti, for the internship opportunity for students and the continued support of the vocational department. Next to be recognized were the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary. They continue to support the district with students of the month. They also partner with Shop a Lott (Chevron). Students of the month are treated to a gift certificate from the store. Recognition also went to Quality Outdoor. This partner in the community provides meals to athletes, help to teachers and students, and each month they sponsor Quality Kid awards culminating in a yearly banquet.

Another recognition came from Representative Kenny Cox, who presented Fleeter Taylor with a State of Louisiana certificate of praise for her 36 years of dedicated nursing service to the citizens of Louisiana and Red River Parish. Mrs. Taylor had a large group of family and friends who attended the meeting and witnessed her presentation.

A final partner for the school system, Red River Parish 4-H, made a short presentation. Director Jacque Fontenot brought three students to discuss their experiences in 4-H. Each student highlighted activities they encountered in school and during the summer.

Other agenda items from the board meeting included a presentation by J.C. Dickey that included highlights from testing results from LEAP. David Jones requested board members approve a mid-size SUV purchase for the newly hired safety security coordinator. This vehicle will have lights and emblems to indicate authority. Mr. Jones also requested that the board purchase two pre-owned trucks for maintenance staff use. Both items were approved.

The final agenda item that required approval was considering an extension for Superintendent Strong’s contract. After Mrs. Susan Taylor’s introduction that highlighted Superintendent Strong’s accomplishments, a motion was made to extend Mrs. Strong’s contract from September 1, 2023 to August 30, 2027. The board was individually polled, and the motion passed unanimously. After the vote, Mrs. Strong thanked the board, the district personnel, and the school administration/staff for their support and dedication over the years.

Announcements of the night consisted of an update on the future construction of an addition to Red River Elementary that will house Red River Academic Academy, Head Start highlights, and the date of the next board meeting, September 11, 2023.

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