Allen Parish school board candidates outline priorities ahead of Nov. 3 vote

Voters in Allen Parish, Louisiana, will decide three School Board races on Nov. 3, with contests in districts 5, 6 and 8. Early voting begins Oct. 20. Candidates were asked about their priorities, plans for supporting education and approach to the budget.

District 5 candidate Joseph Pitre says he would emphasize fair discipline, a professional school environment and stronger school pride. Rhonda Gordon Johnson, a candidate in District 6, describes her teaching and small-business experience. KPLC said Stephen B. “Kool” Manuel did not respond to its request for comment.

Pitre's priorities

Pitre, a lifelong Oberlin resident, retired in 2024 after nearly 30 years with the federal Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons, including 14 years as a computer services manager. He has not held elected office. His community work includes youth sports, helping establish the Allen Parish Civic Center Board and reorganizing Oberlin Youth Basketball as a nonprofit.

For his first 100 days, Pitre says he would review school discipline policies and work to ensure they are clearly communicated and applied consistently. He also wants to clarify expectations for principals and staff, address professional conduct concerns and build school pride through recognition, visibility and shared responsibility. He says a sense of belonging can support students’ attitudes toward learning.

Pitre says he would support educators through continuing education, workshops and open communication with the School Board. On spending, he says the board should set realistic expectations within available funds and work with the superintendent to seek grants, state and federal funding, and contributions from local industry and community organizations.

Johnson's background

Johnson says she has taught for 18 years and worked with about 900 kindergarten students. She is certified in early childhood and elementary education. She and her husband own Keys Appliance and 11 rental properties in Kinder. Johnson says budgeting and appropriating funds are essential parts of running a small business; further details of her school board plans are not stated in the available candidate material.

This report draws on information from https://www.kplctv.com.