The school’s latest academic performance data show major improvements, highlighted by a school-wide reading mastery rate of 81 percent or above. Kindergarten has made  extraordinary progress, with students ranked as “emerging readers” jumping from 58 to 82 percent.

The data were reported by principal Michelle Douglas at the monthly meeting of the school’s board of directors, Feb. 27.

In other business, the Hynes Gala on Feb. 4 grossed $64,000 and cleared $51,000, the school board was advised. Proceeds from the gala, which marked the opening of the new school building, will fund outdoor improvements and other non-budgeted items, Douglas said.

In other scheduling news from Douglas:

-The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a free concert with Hynes’ advanced band students on Mar 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.

-The school’s admissions lottery will be March 7, at 3 p.m. in the gymnasium.

-The Parent Teacher Organization’s next event – Husky Fun Run – will be on April 21, a Saturday.

The rest of the half-hour meeting focused on a report by the school’s financial administrator, John Gaudry. Despite the rising costs associated with the new building, Hynes is expected to stay within its projected annual budget, thanks in part to donations and other PTO fund-raising events, Gaudry said.

Board president Todd Schexnayder adjourned the meeting at 5:37 p.m.

The next meeting is March 26.