Board approves four instructional coaches; three members register dissent

The Avoyelles Parish School Board approved a recommendation on April 21 to hire four district instructional coaches, placing one coach at each school and paying for the positions with braided funding sources, a district presenter said.

"I'm asking the board to approve this recommendation for hiring four additional instructional coaches so that each school will have their own instructional coach," Assistant Superintendent Miss Prader said during her presentation. The funding mix discussed included a state award of $100,000 earmarked for UIR/CIR schools, federal programs, IDEA funds and the general fund.

Board debate was limited; a motion to approve was made and seconded. Three board members — Mr. Delo, Mr. Lome and Mr. Morrow — voted 'nay,' but the motion carried.

Supporters said the coaches will provide job‑embedded support to teachers and help maintain instructional consistency across schools; dissenting board members did not elaborate a public rationale on the record beyond registering their votes.

The board recorded the motion as approved; staff will begin recruitment and outline braid funding sources and job descriptions at a follow‑up meeting.

Next steps: staff will proceed with posting positions and return to the board with hires and implementation timeline.