Tributes Pour in Honoring Supt. Mike Faulk

With the retirement of Central schools Supt. Mike Faulk coming Dec. 31, many leaders in the Central community are speaking out about Faulk and his record as superintendent. Here are some of their comments:

Dr. Jim Gardner

School Board Member

The things I admire most about Mike Faulk are his ability to remove politics from his decisions concerning Central schools. He always placed the students as his first priority, regardless of outside pressure. Also, his ability to manage the school system’s finances kept us in excellent shape to meet emergencies or unforeseen events. Mike has maintained a fund balance that keeps the school system in excellent shape. Our bond ratings and interest rates have continued to be excellent, which saves the taxpayers many dollars,

while other school districts have had to raise taxes or do without in order to operate. Mike has provided the leadership to improve our academics to where we are a top scoring district in the state.

Ted McCulley, Central resident

During the last decade, I have gained immense respect and admiration for Mike Faulk. Many of us would be hard pressed to outwork Mike. I recall calling him one Sunday afternoon about a personal matter and he was in his office preparing for a Monday night school board meeting.

Mike has proven himself, not only as the leader of Central Community School System but also as a community leader.

Mike once asked the school board to allow him to create six new positions in the school system. The school board allowed him only three.  Even though he needed six, he found a way to “make do” with three.

I think part of Mike’s legacy will be that he has worked diligently to establish the “community concept” in the school system.

David Prescott, Principal

Central High School

I will be forever grateful for the chance he gave me to serve as principal at Central High. He has been a mentor and a friend over the years. I appreciate that he was always available to discuss concerns and decisions I had to make. Even available when he was not at work. During my tenure, he returned every call — many times when he was off with his family. He gave great advice but always allowed me to make the decision. I appreciate this so much as it would have been easy for him to just dictate what to do. This illustrates the “teacher” in him. After all these years removed from the classroom this is still the quality of the man. I have been blessed in this long career to be associated with many “legends.” Mike Faulk is in this company and I consider him one of the most influential people in my career.  I wish my friend continued success.

Sen. Bodi White

There are many admirable things about Mike Faulk. We have a unique friendship and working relationship. Some of the things I admire about Mike are his ability to work with his school board, teachers,  the community, and students to build a top tier school system from scratch. He has an understanding and knowledge of the K-12 education funding that has been a great asset for the Central community.  Mike is progressive and always up for the challenge. He proved his leadership during the trying times of the 2016 flood. Once during a conversation, we discussed the loss of students and funding to Charter Schools.  Mike was ready to tackle administering a new program called Central Virtual Academy in order to be competitive and meet a growing need. Mike will leave big shoes to fill but I look forward to Dr. Jason Fountain’s time of leadership.

Dr. David Walker, President

Central School Board

The thing I admire most about Mike Faulk is the way he has moved our system from a “dream” to the No. 2 school district in the state in 10 years. I do not believe we would be where we are today had God not blessed the Central community by sending Mike to help start this system! He gave it a good start. Mike has done this through his ability with academics and finances as well as working with the community to maintain support. He has been able to see the big picture and look out for the system and not a specific program.

Sharon Browning, Member

Central School Board

Ten years ago, as a surprise to the entire community, the Central School Board selected an outsider to lead its newly-formed school system. Michael Faulk assumed this position and hit the ground running. He moved to the City of Central a virtual unknown. It did not take long to realize that the new superintendent was a workaholic. The board also realized quickly that its superintendent was extremely knowledgeable, fair, even tempered and dependable. His knowledge on the MFP is beyond compare. Very often he is invited to speak at most local and state meetings about the MFP. We jokingly ask him if we really had “to go and listen to him again.” He certainly manages our funds well.

Mike Faulk was indeed the perfect choice to build this school system during its inception.

Roxanne Atkinson, Member

Central School Board

The things I like most about Mike Faulk are many. I see him as very kind, always willing to help, listen, and teach. He is also highly intelligent with an amazing work ethic. His hobby was making the Central Community School System the best and he worked hard at that. He is a wonderful husband to Peggy, father to his children, and really enjoys the role of grandfather. During our time working together, he also became my friend; a friendship I value because of his wisdom, compassion, and Godly character.

Coach Sid Edwards, Head Coach

and AD, Central School System

Mike Faulk has meant a lot to me over these last 10 years. He has taken care of my two boys unlike anyone else has — in particular Jack Ryan, Mr Faulk worked with me

and my schedule in order for Beanie and I to take care of our boys. This is rare stuff that most people would not do, but Mr. Faulk saw what Jack Ryan needed.  We will be forever indebted to him for his care for Jack Ryan and Chase

Morris Summers

Central Resident

I met Mike Faulk the day he was elected as our superintendent. Like most Central residents, I knew nothing about him, but I trusted that our school board members had made a good decision. Ten years later, I know that they made the best decision possible. They selected a man with a tremendous work ethic who has set an example for future superintendents to follow. Mr. Faulk tackled the responsibility of guiding a new school system with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence in our schools. He focused on his goals and displayed a high level of determination to help our schools and teachers achieve some of the highest rankings in our state. He succeeded because of  his hard work and that of our teachers and administrators.

In addition to his work ethic, I have always admired Supt. Faulk’s unflappable demeanor. He has the ability to stay composed and focused in the face of adversity. Seldom have I seen him flustered or unnerved. “Cool, calm, and collected“ would be a fitting description.

Julie Stevens, Principal

Tanglewood Elementary

The things I admire most about Mike Faulk are his heart for the students and community of Central and his passion for excellence. Mr. Faulk does an excellent job of considering the students and community when making decisions concerning our district. He continuously displays his passion for excellence through the expectations he puts into place for our faculty and students.

Mr. Faulk has meant a lot to me because he has shown me what it means to be a great leader. He has always been willing to listen to concerns. I admire how he takes time to make decisions and thoroughly looks at all angles, wanting to be as fair as possible. He is compassionate with his employees, yet tough when he needs to be. He has had to make difficult decisions over the years, and it has always given me a peace, knowing that he makes decisions prayerfully and thoughtfully.

Mr. Faulk has always been willing to help at the schools. I will miss hearing his Cajun accent as he unloads students from cars during carpool, directs students from the buses, and especially when he reads the Cajun Night Before Christmas to our students. His love for his family, especially those grandbabies, shows through when he is caring for our students in the Central Community School System. He shows love and is loved. We will miss you, Mr. Faulk!

Will Easley, Member

Central School Board

I felt from the beginning that Mike Faulk was the man for the job, and he has not disappointed me for one moment.  Over the past 10 years, we have worked very closely together. I have been impressed at how hard he has worked and how much he cares about our school children and our community. He is a God-fearing man and has a great deal of wisdom. Yet, he is always willing to listen and consider the advice of others. I’m proud of how well the Central school system has done and especially proud of Mr. Faulk and our teachers and administrators. I’m proud too that we have been conservative with the taxpayers’ money. Despite our high rating, the construction of the School Complex, and the devastation of the flood, the Central School System is the only one in the state that has actually reduced taxes on its people. We have to thank Mr. Faulk for all he has done to make that possible. We will always have fond memories of and great admiration, respect,

and friendship for Mike Faulk.

Rhonda Taylor, Principal

Central Intermediate School

Mr. Faulk has meant a lot to me because he believed in me throughout the hiring process and throughout the ongoing years of working with him in the Central School System.  The support he has shown me has been the catalyst of my career here in Central.  I appreciate him for listening to my ideas and thoughts and helping me learn how to grow those ideas into workable solutions and strategies.

Mr. Faulk is an encourager.  He not only praises his staff but he asks about a sick child or family member, he inquires about the accomplishments of the children of his staff, he knows the names of all of his staff and even knows a little “something” about them.  He is continually walking the halls and visiting in classrooms.  This makes him special to all of us.

Mr. Faulk is a man of character.  His unwavering belief in the Lord is known throughout our community.  He not only “talks the talk but walks the walk.”

Laurie Gehling, Principal

Bellingrath Hills Elementary

What I admire most about Michael Faulk is how his simple gestures of thoughtfulness and kindness have touched the lives of the staff and students at Bellingrath Hills. Each year he hand delivers small tokens of appreciation to every faculty member on campus. As one teacher noted, “He truly personifies the quote, ‘It’s nice to be important but more important to be nice!’” Whether you happen to meet him in the neighborhood Walmart or in a sea of people at graduation, he makes time to smile and say hello. “He makes everyone feel important.”

Russell Starns, Past President

Central School Board

Two words describe Mike Faulk and his place in the history of Central — divine intervention!  When it was time to choose the first superintendent of Central schools, the new Central school board was divided between two candidates. Then a third candidate emerged, Mike Faulk. He was not who we wanted at the time but it is clear he was who we needed. It turned out he knew more about running a school system, especially school finances, than virtually anyone in Louisiana.

After his service as superintendent for the past 10 years, there is nothing but good things anyone can say about Mike Faulk.

Sandy Davis, Associate Supt.

Central School System

One of the things that I admire about Mr. Faulk is his ability to stay focused on the important tasks at hand rather than be distracted by negativity or naysayers  When you are the leader of a school system in a small community, many decisions you make put you in the spotlight.  During his tenure as the superintendent, Mr. Faulk based every decision on what he believed was in the best interest of the students of Central. While every decision was not popular, he has held fast to that belief and the Central Community School System is better because of it.

Supt.-Elect Dr. Jason Fountain

Mr. Faulk has meant a lot to me because he has taken me under his wing and mentored me throughout my time in the Central Community School System. From my early days at Tanglewood Elementary through my time at Central Middle School and the Central Office, Mr. Faulk has balanced the nuances of autonomy and guidance. He gives lots of room for individuals to work and try new things, and he balances that with guidance when it is needed. Mr. Faulk has provided me the opportunity to grow and learn over the last nine years.

The thing I most admire about Mr. Faulk is his fierce resolve. Once he makes a decision, there is no turning back. He reminds me of the story of early explorers who would “burn the boats” when they reached a new shore. This act would eliminate any notion of retreat, and force the exploration party to move forward. When Mr. Faulk took the helm in 2007, there was no turning back. From day one, Mr. Faulk has proved to be a strong, resolute leader. To whatever heights we may achieve, Mr. Faulk will always be a cornerstone of that success.