Kim Powers Seeks Reelection to Board

Kim Powers was elected in a special election last year to the unexpired term of long-time Central School Board member Will Easley.  She is running for the full term in the Nov. 8 election.  She released the following statement for her campaign:

Thank you for electing me last fall to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Will Easley on the Central Community School Board from District 4.  Please accept my sincere thanks for the privilege of representing you on the school board!

Since being sworn in by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry on Nov. 20, 2021, I have been a voice for parents and taxpayers.  Mr. Will Easley is my role model and I always apply Mr. Easley’s conservative philosophy to the decisions I make on the board.  Like Will Easley, I have fought against unnecessary taxes, for traditional Christian values, and for keeping the state and federal government out of Central schools.

I’m excited about the new school year!  My daughter Sara is in the 8th grade at Central Middle, and daughter Ella is in the 9th Grade Academy at Central High.

Since taking office in November, I have gotten to know the other six members of the school board better and respect them all very much.  However, I must tell you I have some honest disagreements with the other members of the board, especially in two areas:

• Like Mr. Will Easley, I oppose any increase in taxes without a vote of the people.  Unfortunately, since Mr. Easley retired, the board has voted to raise property taxes by rolling forward millage rates without a vote of the people!  I have consistently opposed these tax increases and will continue to do so if reelected.  I will never support a tax increase without a vote of the people!

• I oppose the governor’s mask and vaccine mandates.  The Attorney General issued an opinion that these mandates are illegal and unconstitutional, and I agree with his ruling.  Now the mask mandate may be coming back.  Up until now, the school board’s attorney has sided with the Governor and said mask mandates are legal.  I think that’s bad advice, the Attorney General is right, and I will continue to strongly oppose a return to mask mandates in Central schools.  Likewise, I will continue to oppose vaccine mandates.

There is another issue coming up that greatly concerns me.  On Tuesday, July 12, the Biden Administration issued a rule under Title IX saying that local school systems like ours must allow “transgender males” access to girls’ bathrooms.  The rule contains many other far-reaching attacks on traditional values.  If we fail to comply with this federal rule, we will likely lose federal school lunch program funds.  State Supt. of Education Cade Brumley opposes these mandates.  Under no circumstances should the Central Community School System comply with these ridiculous and far-reaching mandates.  I will continue to speak out strongly on the board for traditional values and against efforts to bring the “WOKE” agenda to Central.  Under no circumstances should we violate God’s word.  We must stand for what is right and not be silenced or intimidated.  “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

In my brief time on the Central Community School Board and prior to that as a member of the Facilities & Equipemt Committee of the school board, I have some accomplishments that I am proud of.  Here they are:

•100% Perfect Attendance at all School Board meetings and meetings of school board committees since being elected.  My attitude is, you can’t influence things if you aren’t there.  So I strive to be present and try to make a difference at every meeting.

•As a member of the Facilities Committee, I helped plan the following new construction:

•$23 million renovation of Central High School

•Classroom additions at Tanglewood Elementary School

•Renovation of Wildcat Stadium and construction of new sports complex

•Approved Wildcat Stadium parking lot upgrades.

• Approved construction of the new promenade at the main entrance to Wildcat Stadium.

•Approved new Wildcat Stadium concession stand. 

•Approved new 20’ x 30’ flagpole in east end zone.

•Construction of new School Board office at Hooper and Sullivan roads

•I had the pleasure of having individual meetings with the principals of Central’s five public schools — Bellingrath Hills Elementary, Tanglewood Elementary, Central Intermediate, Central Middle, and Central High School.  These meetings were very informative and helped me better understand the needs of our students, teachers, administrators, and schools.

•I supported the school board’s one-time end-of-year bonuses for certified teachers and support staff including bus drivers.

•Opposed student handbook changes that allowed male students to wear double pierced earrings.

•Attended the Louisiana School Board Association state convention.

•Regularly went to the State Capitol to meet with State Legislators to advocate for Central schools.  

•I serve on these Central School Board committees:

•Facilities & Equipment Committee

•Human Resources & Policies Committee

•Curriculum, Instruction, & Student Services

•Something else I’m proud of is helping produce and broadcast Central City News’ live coverage of Central High Wildcat football games.  We have produced more than 70 Central High games directly from Wildcat Stadium and anywhere else in the state where Central has played. During that time, we have averaged nearly 12,000 viewers per game and gained widespread recognition for Central High football.

•Broadcast and narrated with my colleague Jolice Provost the first live sporting event in Central High School history — the 2017 State Baseball 5A Championship game between Central High and West Monroe — from Sulphur, Louisiana.  This game had more than 92,000 viewers.  It opened the door for the broadcast of Central High’s live sporting events for the past five years.

The past nine months on the Central School Board have been a learning experience for me, and I have tried my best to learn my responsibilities as a member of the school board and to represent you and the best interests of our children and our community.  I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve you!

As you may know, I have been going door to door in the district to meet everyone and hear your views.  People have been so kind to me, and I really appreciate the wonderful outpouring of support! The best ways to help are as follows:

•Make a contribution to “Kim Powers for Central School Board” and mail to Kim Powers, 12515 Sullivan Road, Central, LA 70818 or at www.facebook.com/VoteKimPowers.  

•Allow me to put a campaign yard sign in your yard.

•Volunteer to help me campaign door to door in your neighborhood.

•Host a coffee or other event at your home.

Thank you so much for your kind support and encouragement!  I am always available to help you or answer your questions.  My cell is 225-921-8784.

Please pray for my girls and me!  And remember, “It’s always a great day to be a Central Wildcat!”