The Next Step For LPSS

By: Kisha F. Kana

With new leadership from superintendent, Dr. Donald Aguillard and a freshly seated school board, these are exciting times for the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS)!

Teachers and administrators are being challenged to help make LPSS one of the best public school systems in the south. Prior to the start of school, Dr. Aguillard met with principals and board members to outline his plan for achieving “A” status for the district in three years; and charged principals with raising their school’s performance scores three points per year for the next three years. To achieve this, he indicated that the district and schools would focus primarily on literacy and data-driven decision making, using research-based strategies. These strategies for principals, which he referred to as a “focused lens to improve student learning,” include providing time for teachers to collaborate in order to improve student outcomes, beginning to have dialogue with teachers about evidence of student learning rather than evidence of teachers teaching, devoting at least 40% of their time to visiting classrooms and directly supporting teachers through dialogue and feedback. Other strategies include a comprehensive review of curriculum materials at the district level, an initiative to help juniors and seniors who are not on track to graduate catch up through a summer credit recovery initiative, and ensuring that the district’s assessment tools are aligning a truly predictive of student performance on high stakes tests.

Aguillard asserted that the LPSS and the community have all the resources and potential necessary to reach “A” status, “All we have to do is to focus on kids and analyze and address their needs.”  Dr. Aguillard also praised school board members for clearly demonstrating that the needs of the students are their top priority.  

New leaders and a new approach mark the beginning of a bright future for Lafayette parish schools.  Community leaders, concerned citizens and parents are encouraged to get involved and stay informed. 

Comments from 2015 Board Members and Directors:

“This is an exciting time for our community as we begin to work towards becoming an “A” school district... We invite all parents and students of the public school system to join our innovative school community…”

-Sandra Billeaudeau, District Planning Administrator

“I am so excited about the new leadership and board. We have done great things thus far. As part of your leadership team, I want you to know that we will always have the children in mind when making decisions.”

-Mary Morrison, Lafayette Parish School Board, District 1

“We are implementing programs and changes to become one of the top public school systems in the south. This is an exciting time to be a part of improving our community’s most precious asset.”

-Erick Knezek, Lafayette Parish School Board, District 8

“Our school year starts with a new board, a new Superintendent and a new vision for our school system.  I honestly believe the future of education in Lafayette Parish is a bright one. Our public schools are the foundation of our community. ”

-Britt Latiolais, Lafayette Parish School Board, District 5