Superintendent Begins 8th Year, Optimistic about System’s Future

As the new school year gets underway, Central schools, Supt. Mike Faulk says that he is optimistic that the local system, already among the top in the state, will show continued improvement this year.

Meanwhile, Faulk is being praised by education leaders both in Central and across the state for his performance as superintendent in Central and for his contribution to public education statewide.

Faulk has served as State President of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents and was named the Outstanding School Superintendent in Louisiana.

The Central City News interviewed nearly a dozen school board members and parish superintendents of schools in order to learn more about how the superintendent is viewed. Here’s what others said:

Sonnie Savoie, 28-year member of St. Charles Parish School Board and former president of the National School Boards Association:

“Mike Faulk is the consummate leader.  He’s very intelligent.  He does his homework.  He’s the expert on the MFP.  [Laughing] He’s the guru of school finance in Louisiana!  He’s the person other superintendents go to to learn how to do things right.  Very well respected!”

“School board members and superintendents alike hold Mike Faulk in high regard because of his knowledge and experience.  He’s been around a long time, and he knows what he’s talking about.”

“He’s put together a high performing school system.  He’s one of the great superintendents.”

“I’ve traveled the country as president of the National School Boards Association and met many fine leaders but he’s one of the very best.  He could stand with any.”

“He’s very fortunate to have a great leadership team starting with his school board.  Without an outstanding board, he couldn’t be successful.  Sometimes when you are very successful, it’s hard to put your finger on the exact reasons but a lot of it has to be the people who are running the show.  When you have a board that’s working well, why would you change it?  People can see the progress. In Central, you can’t hide the success.  All of us can see it, and I’m sure people in Central can see it too.”

Supt. Brian LeJeune of Jeff Davis Parish, past president of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, said:

“Mike Faulk is very organized, professional, hard working, and a good guy.  He understands what it takes to run a school system.  He does it well.  His knowledge of the MFP is second to none.  He does a fine job of keeping me well informed.  What he’s done in Central is amazing!  It’s a really good system, one of the best in the state.  We’re always looking to move to that upper tier where he has brought Central.  He’s a mentor for me.  He really works hard to take care of the students and it shows!”

Central school board member Roxanne Atkinson said,

“Mr. Faulk is easy to work with. He’s always prepared.  He is so upbeat and positive.  He is always encouraging everyone.  He’s chosen great principals and they are making real progress in helping children reach their potential.”

“Our board works well with Mr. Faulk.  It’s all about leadership.  We have a very diverse board.  Jim Lloyd and Will Easley have the business experience we need.  Sharon Browning and Rudy Foil have the classroom experience and administrative experience.  Miss Ruby is an expert on school finance.  David Walker is our liaison to parents and the community, and Jim Gardner is an expert on testing, the educational process, and strategic planning. Together with Mr. Faulk, we work as a team!”

School board president Dr. Jim Gardner agreed with all of Mrs. Atkinson’s remarks but added something else: Faulk makes it fun!  “I never thought I’d want to stay on the board.  Each board member is a committee chairman and has expertise that is very valuable.  Miss Sharon has a heart for the kids.  She fights for rigorous academic standards.  Will is an engineer with an analytical mind.  He thinks everything through.  Miss Ruby views things as a principal, very knowledgeable. She makes sure the teachers views are represented.   Jim has a business mind.  David understands the central office.  Each brings these and many other strengths.  We’re a team.  With Mr. Faulk, we’re accomplishing so much and Mr. Faulk is great to work with.  He works very, very hard.  He’s committed.  And the kids and this community are the beneficiaries!”