CHAMBER LEADERS UNVEIL CURBSIDE CAFE

Livingston Parish’s high school and junior high school students will soon have an opportunity to try new foods and weigh-in on whether to add them to school menus thanks to a new food serving “Curbside Café” trailer that has been created by the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Leadership Team.

The team unveiled the food serving trailer at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 3 at the Denham Springs High School STEM & Robotics Center. The trailer is the outcome of the team’s M.E.A.L.S. project, which stands for Meal Education & Awareness for Livingston Schools.

The “Curbside Café” is a mobile container that has been customized to include kitchen equipment and the necessary specifications for food service.

Pictured, from left to right, are: (back row) Amanda Cook (Brandy Robertson State Farm Insurance), Gene Higginbotham (LPSO), Steve Bernard (Client Technology Services), Thomas Lockhart (Black Label Holdings Real Estate), Jeff Taylor (Livingston Parish Assessor), Jamie Seal (Quality Engineering), April Wehrs (LP Chamber of Commerce President/CEO), Vanissa Murphy (Quality Engineering), Gary O’Neal (C.H. Fenstermaker), Jessie Stewart (Pelican State Credit Union), Tim McMasters (Livingston Parish Assessor’s Office); (front row) Angela Alessi (Holmes Building Materials), Heather Rosenthal (Edward Jones Investments), Chris Neal (Pelican State Credit Union), Amanda Seals (Ochsner Health), Leah Smith (Fika Skon), Lance Landry (LPSO), Christine Patrick (LP Chamber of Commerce),Sommer Purvis (LPPS Child Nutrition), Nicky Gautreau (Bank of Zachary); Kim McDonald (Bank of Zachary), Christina Coats (LPPS Child Nutrition), Jon Burckel (All Star Automotive Group), LP Councilman Garry Talbert; and Brandy Robertson (Brandy Robertson State Farm Insurance).

HOLDEN SCHOOL AND LIVE OAK HIGH SCHOOL NAMED COGNIA SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION

Holden School and Live Oak High School have been named 2022 Cognia™ Schools of Distinction for excellence in education.

Cognia is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. The organization recognizes pre-K to Grade 12 education institutions that exemplify excellence in education and service to learners.

Cognia selected 96 schools in the United States and Puerto Rico and nine in other countries across the globe as 2022 Schools of Distinction.

Holden School and Live Oak High participated in Cognia’s rigorous Accreditation Engagement Review process, which is based on research-based performance standards. The process included a third-party review by education experts of evidence, interviews, and classroom observations. The evaluation covered Leadership Capacity, Learning Capacity, and Resource Capacity, as well as a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.

“These Livingston Parish Schools are to be commended on their recognition as Schools of Distinction,” Cognia President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Elgart said. “Cognia Accreditation is already a mark of distinction recognized around the world. Being named a School or System of Distinction further recognizes the commitment to education quality Live Oak High and Holden School have for their learners.”

SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR BUS DRIVERS

The Livingston Parish School Board, on a vote of 8 to 1, approved a compensation package last month that would pay drivers $10 per extra run that exceeded their normally assigned monthly routes.

To track the route information, the board also created 30 Driver Team Leaders and agreed to compensate those drivers an additional $1,500 annually.

Superintendent Joe Murphy said the action was made possible by district administrators submitting a letter to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education earlier this school year requesting that the board declare a bus driver critical shortage to allow for a compensation change to comply with federal labor laws.

HIGH SCHOOLERS FROM DOYLE AND HOLDEN LEARN ABOUT POST-GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

More than 300 high schoolers and family members from the Livingston and Holden communities gathered in the Doyle High School gymnasium on Oct. 18 to participate in a College and Career Fair that included displays and activities from a variety of local industry representatives, businesses, and post-secondary vocational schools and institutions.

“The purpose of the event was to provide our students with valuable information regarding post-graduate opportunities.  Students and their family members were able to ask questions and talk one-on-one with representatives,” Doyle High School Principal Lance Dawsey said.

Dawsey noted that students, teachers, school administrators and community members from Holden joined the Doyle High community for the event.

Doyle High School student Natalie Mincin and her parents speak with representatives from the Baton Rouge General School of Radiologic Technology.

Doyle High Schools students Jace Ware, Samantha Davis and Bella Baldwin, pictured left to right, speak with a representative from Tulane University about the many course degrees and extracurricular programs at the university.

GROUNDBREAKING AND “BRICK-BREAKING” CEREMONIES CELEBRATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Livingston Parish School officials recently traveled from one side of the parish to the other to hold ceremonies to commemorate the start of construction for two new facilities.

A groundbreaking for the new Live Oak High School Institute of Medicine, Aviation & the Arts in the Watson community was held on the school’s grounds on Oct. 5, while a “brick breaking” for a new cafeteria for Albany Lower Elementary and Albany Upper Elementary, located in the Town of Albany, was held at the existing cafeteria site on Oct. 10.

“It’s exciting to see the plans we have for addressing needs in our district are becoming reality,” Superintendent Joe Murphy said.  “The needs that are being met by these two projects demonstrate the broad spectrum of care provided to our students. Livingston Schools is committed to meeting the needs of the whole child – from providing daily nutrition to expanded opportunities for learning.”

Live Oak High School Principal Beth Jones said the new institute on her campus will focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning areas that offer introductory material in the fields of medicine, aviation, and the arts.  Jones said the new institute will be named for the district’s current Career & Technical Education Coordinator Staci Polozola.

Albany School Board Member Dr. Devin Gregoire said the new expanded cafeteria will allow better scheduled lunch breaks during the school day, as well as give child nutrition staff an updated, modern workspace.  He said the new facility will be constructed with funds gained from the newly approved half-cent sales tax that Albany voters approved in April.

Those participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new LOHS Institute of Medicine, Aviation & The Arts were, pictured, left to right, Assistant Superintendents Bruce Chaffin, Assistant Superintendent Jody Purvis, Chris Bankston of Gasaway, Gasaway, Bankston Architects, Duane Mizell of Stuart & Company General Contractors, Superintendent Joe Murphy, LOHS Principal Beth Jones, LOHS Student Sylvia White, School Board Member Kellee Hennessy Dickerson, State Rep. Valarie Hodges, and Monica Perez of Gasaway, Gasaway, Bankston Architects.

The school food technicians who work at the cafeteria for Albany Lower Elementary and Albany Upper Elementary participated in the “brick breaking” ceremony to commemorate the construction of a new larger cafeteria. Pictured from left to right are: Food Technicians Jodie Clark, Chloe Guidry and Rachell Moriarty, School Board Member Dr. Devin Gregoire, Albany Upper Elementary Principal Jo Jean Saucier, Food Technicians Sandra Caldwell and Tandra Arbour, Director of Child Nutrition Programs Sommer Purvis, Food Technician Crystal Stewart, Albany Lower Elementary Principal Robin Stewart, and Food Technicians Jenny Bertrand, Lynnette Glascock, Larrilyn Owens, and Bonnie DiGiovanni.

COMMUNITY VISITS NEW K-8 SOUTHSIDE CAMPUS

School officials held a community celebration on Oct. 15 to commemorate the opening of the new Southside Campus, which houses the K-5 Southside Elementary and 6-8 Southside Junior High School.  Activities included presentations by school and elected officials, a tour of the campus and lunch for participants.

As part of the event, school officials also unveiled the naming of the campus’ interior courtyard as the J. Rogers Pope Courtyard.  The courtyard is named for State Sen. J. Rogers Pope. Pope has been a life-long educator in the Livingston Parish Public School System, including the first principal of Southside Junior High School when it opened in 1976.  He has served as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in the system.  He was selected the Louisiana Superintendent of the Year in 2000 and became the elected president of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents in 2001. Pope is currently serving his 15^th year as a state legislator.

Community members, parents, students and school employees gathered in the Southside Campus Courtyard on Oct. 15 to celebrate the opening of the new school and tour the campus facilities. Superintendent Joe Murphy emceed the event, which included several dignitaries and former school staff and district leaders.

State Sen. J. Rogers Pope, pictured with his wife Pat Pope, was honored at the Southside Campus Community Event on Oct. 15, as school officials unveiled the new name of the school’s courtyard as the J. Rogers Pope Courtyard.

FRENCH SETTLEMENT HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER NAMED TO STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL

Erik Willie, French Settlement High School teacher and member of the Louisiana Department of Education’s 2022-2023 Teacher Advisory Council

French Settlement High School Teacher Erik Willie has been named a member of the Louisiana Department of Education’s (LDOE) 2022-2023 Teacher Advisory Council.

Louisiana’s inaugural Teacher Advisory Council includes 22 classroom leaders from a wide range of backgrounds and educational settings. This cohort of educators will meet with Superintendent Cade Brumley quarterly to share feedback on current education initiatives and offer insight on how Louisiana can continue to improve student outcomes.

“I am excited to have this opportunity to have a seat at the table to discuss vital issues that need the voice of those who work closest to Louisiana’s children – our teachers,” Willie said.

Willie currently teaches 7th and 8th grade math, Introduction to Engineering and Design Through Project Lead the Way at French Settlement High School. He has been a math instructor for the past six years.  He has served in the role of middle school classroom teacher, RTI Tutor, virtual learning instructor and adult education instructor.

LIVE OAK STUDENT NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALIST

Live Oak High Senior Mackenzie Himel has been named a National Merit Semifinalist.

Mackenzie Himel, a senior at Live Oak High School, has been named a National Merit Semifinalist.

Himel is one of 235 high school seniors in Louisiana to be awarded the distinction to compete for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship.  Each year, about 16,000 semifinalists are selected across the nation.  Only about half will be chosen to win the top scholarship.

She is the daughter of Alan and Tiffany Reynerson and Jonathan Himel.  She plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania after graduation where she wants to pursue an undergraduate degree in biomedicine.  Himel said she wants to eventually go to medical school.

By becoming a National Merit Semifinalist, Himel is in the running for scholarships to be announced in the spring.

SCHOOL BOARD CREATES EFID TO REVIEW FUNDING OPTIONS FOR HIGHER SALARIES

The Livingston Parish School Board voted this month to create an Educational Facilities Improvement District (EFID) to review local funding options for improving salaries for all Livingston Parish School System employees.

The Louisiana Legislature recently enacted a “state of emergency” statute to allow many school districts to create EFIDs for the purpose of addressing local funding shortages for their essential needs. The legislation recognizes that existing conditions in many school districts could be “detrimental to the learning environment of the children they serve” if not remedied.

“Livingston Parish Public Schools, like many other school districts in our state, is facing the very serious threat of maintaining a highly qualified teaching corps, along with skilled, reliable staff members, to provide our students with the quality education they deserve and need to prepare them for the 21st Century,” Superintendent Joe Murphy said.

“To remedy this growing problem, we must find a way to pay our people more, so we can effectively recruit the area’s best educators and keep them in our schools for years to come,” he said.

The newly created EFID will have the ability as other governmental political districts to seek local taxpayer funding for the limited purpose of supporting financial needs in the school system, most clearly, the need for higher salaries throughout the district.

The school board is expected to name appointees to the board in the coming weeks, and at that time the members will call a public meeting to review the school district’s current funding status and review options for additional revenue.

ASST. SUPERINTENDENT CHAFFIN RECEIVES SLU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Bruce Chaffin is the 2022 recipient of Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award.

Assistant Superintendent Bruce Chaffin will join an elite group of educational leaders next month when he is recognized as the 2022 Distinguished Alumnus by Southeastern Louisiana University’s (SLU) College of Education. SLU will celebrate Chaffin’s achievements during its annual Alumni Awards Evening on Oct. 7.

Chaffin was appointed Livingston Schools’ Assistant Superintendent in May of this year.  He previously served 10 years as Supervisor of Instruction and Personnel, overseeing much of the district’s human resources and business operations.  In that capacity, he volunteered on multiple state and national committees that advance school business operations, including the American Association of School Personnel Administrators and the Louisiana Association of School Personnel Administrators, which he currently serves as President Elect. He also serves on the Louisiana Teacher Recovery, Recruitment and Retention Task Force created recently by the Louisiana Legislature.

Chaffin has been an expert speaker to various groups across the nation, addressing attendance initiatives, substitute pay and better communications in schools.  He also was 1 of 27 educators in the nation to have first received certification as a Human Capital Leader in Education.

Chaffin’s resume also includes stints as principal, assistant principal, teacher and coach.

LIVINGSTON SCHOOLS WINS NATIONAL AWARD FOR VOTER INFORMATION CAMPAIGN

Public Relations Consultant Delia A. Taylor, APR, president of Taylor Media Services, (center) by the Livingston Parish School Board for having received a 1st Place National Award from the National Federation of Press Women for her management of the 2021 Denham Springs Bond Extension Election to fund the improvement of athletic facilities at Denham Springs High School.  She is pictured with her family and school leaders.  Pictured from left to right are: Superintendent Joe Murphy, Denham Springs School Board Members Jan Benton and Cecil Harris; Jeff Taylor, Delia Taylor, Caroline Taylor, Denham Springs School Board Member Bradley Harris, and Zachary Taylor.

Livingston Parish Public Schools has been recognized nationally for its efforts to communicate the 2021 bond proposition requesting funding for athletic facility improvements at Denham Springs High School.

The National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) presented the 1st Place Award for the nation’s top public relations campaign to Delia A. Taylor, APR, president of Taylor Media Services, for her management of the school system’s campaign. The award was presented at the NFPW National Conference in Fargo, North Dakota over the summer.

The award entry noted how the district effectively utilized several communication platforms to reach the target voting audience, including printed fliers, videos, outdoor signage, direct mail, public speaking engagements, social media, and school communications.  Effective press coverage and the engagement of community support groups were also lauded in the report.

The bond election, which was held April 24, 2021, asked voters in the Denham Springs School District to extend an existing 8.64 mills currently on the tax rolls to fund much-needed athletic facility improvements at Denham Springs High School.  The ballot measure passed by a vote of 76-percent in favor of the funding plan.

“Much credit goes to our Denham Springs board members for their leadership in this effort, and to Mrs. (Delia) Taylor for her guidance and expertise in the campaign.  Every element of the campaign was professionally delivered in a transparent manner that allowed voters in the Denham Springs area to easily understand the importance of the funding request and what deliverables to expect from the district,” Superintendent Joe Murphy said.

FOUR SCHOOL BOARD SEATS TO BE DECIDED IN NOVEMBER ELECTION

Races will be held for four seats on the Livingston Parish School Board, as more than one person qualified as a candidate in District 4, 7, 8 and 9, following the election qualifying period in July.  The election will be held on Nov. 8 in those school board districts. Those candidates include:

• District 4 – Incumbent Bradley Harris (R) and Jeff Pendergrass (R)
• District 7 – Katelyn Lockhart Cockerham (R) and Ryan Pope (R)
• District 8 – Ron McMorris (R) and Monica Madere Sullivan (R)
• District 9 – Incumbent Devin Gregoire (R) and Steve Link (R)

Four current board members – Brad Sharp of District 1, Kellie Dickerson of District 2, Cecil Harris of District 5, and Jeffery Coxe of District 6 – will return to their seats unopposed; while in District 2, Jeff Frizell will assume the post as he was the only person to qualify to run for the seat following Jan Benton’s announcement that she would not seek re-election. Board member Bo Graham (District 7) is not seeking re-election, and interim Board Member Norman Picou (District 8) agreed to only serve his appointment through the end of the calendar year. Frank Parrino, the person elected to the District 8 seat, resigned earlier this year due to health complications.

SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES LARGEST COMPENSATION PACKAGE EVER

District employees will experience their largest local compensation package ever this school year thanks to the school board’s approval of a payroll proposal submitted by Superintendent Joe Murphy.

Murphy presented a pay increase proposal that included a permanent boost from the state, which was approved by the State Legislature in the 2022 General Session — $1,500 for teachers and district educators, and $750 for classified staff.  That pay increase will be “supplemented” by the local district under Murphy’s plan, to include another $500 for teachers and district educators and $250 for classified staff.

He said these added supplements obligate the district to dedicate an additional $1.9 million each year to salaries and benefits.

“These combined increases give our teachers a permanent pay raise of $2,000 per person, and our classified staff a pay raise of $1,000 per person,” Murphy said. He noted that these increases would be retroactive to July 1, 2022.

In addition to the permanent increases, the board approved a one-time supplement of $1,000 for every employee, plus a 3-percent salary supplement as calculated after the other increases are put into place for the 2022-2023 school year. The supplements will be paid in two installments, with half of the amount issued on Nov. 4, 2022, and the remaining half of the amount issued on May 5, 2023.

Murphy noted that these supplements are expected to cost $10.7 million, and those monies will be pulled from the district’s general fund.

SOUTHSIDE K-8 CAMPUS OPENS NEARLY 6 YEARS AFTER FLOOD

The hallway connecting the elementary and junior high sections provides much open space, easy access to the open library, and is decorated with banners that commemorate milestone events in the timelines of the two schools.

After being in temporary buildings for nearly six years, the students and staff of Southside Elementary and Southside Junior High now occupy a new shared campus in Denham Springs.

“This is the culmination of the combined efforts of so many,” Superintendent Joe Murphy said. He thanked Alvin Fairburn & Associates of Denham Springs, who designed the new campus, and Womack Construction, who managed the construction.

The elementary campus (grades K-5) can hold 800 students and occupies the right-facing side of the complex.  The junior high (grades 6-8) accommodates 1,000 students and occupies the left-facing side of the complex.

The rear section includes the band room, gymnasium, multi-purpose room and cafeteria that can be sectioned off for the different grade levels or opened to accommodate large gatherings.   A two-story, glass-walled library occupies the center of the main building, near the administrative offices, overlooking a large outdoor courtyard.

The school buildings have been built at an elevation of 9 ½ feet higher than the previous school complex.

Murphy said school officials plan to hold a community open house at the campus in the coming weeks, to allow parents, former Southside students and local community members to see the new facilities.

The new Southside K-8 campus includes a central courtyard that can be accessed from the main front building and rear building.  The courtyard has a turfed surface and provides covered gathering areas for organized student activities, and well as free time.

ASSESS THE NEED PROVIDES SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR PARISH STUDENTS

Volunteers with this year’s Assess the Need campaign have been in full action in August, collecting donations at area Associated Grocers stores and distributing supplies to every campus in the parish.

Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor, who is in his 22^nd consecutive year of sponsoring the program, said more than 3,000 students have benefitted from this year’s efforts.  He also noted that the program is providing some “follow up” assistance, as requested by the schools, to assist families that may not have been included in the original count or who have additional needs.

“We are thankful to the people of Livingston Parish for their generosity and unwavering support of our program.  We want to thank our many business sponsors, our donors, and our volunteers, including several teachers and school officials who assisted us. We are so glad we can come together as a community to make a positive impact in the lives of our children,” Taylor said.

School officials assisted with this year’s Assess the Need school supply distribution effort.  Supplies for more than 3,000 students were sorted for schools to pick up at the district’s Automotive Center at the Literacy & Technology Center in Walker.  Pictured, from left to right, are Assistant Superintendent Jody Purvis, volunteer Delia Taylor, Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor, and Assistant Superintendent Bruce Chaffin. (Photo provided by David Norman, courtesy of The Advocate.)

LEAP SCORES SHOW DISTRICT CONTINUES TO RANK AMONG STATE’S TOP 10 IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Livingston Parish Public Schools ranks among the Top 10 public-school districts in Louisiana for the percentage of students in grades 3-12 who scored Mastery or Advanced on the state’s accountability exams, according to the latest Louisiana Department of Education report.

The state’s 2021-2022 report on LEAP scores showed that 41 percent of all students in grades 3-12 who took the LEAP 2025 exams last year scored at the two highest performing levels.

Albany High School was among the state’s top one-year growth schools, improving its overall percentage of Mastery and Advanced scores by 14 percent – jumping from 28 percent to 42 percent.

“The state’s full accountability measure, which encompasses many different components, will not be released until later this fall.  It will be at that time that our curriculum leaders will use that data to gain a better perspective on our efforts, and where we may need to improve our strategies,” Superintendent Joe Murphy said.

STATE TASK FORCE CREATED TO STUDY CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Pictured standing, left to right, are Dr. Monty Sullivan, president of Louisiana Community and Technical College System; Dr. Ashley Mullens, director of LCTCS Rural Innovation Education & Broadband Division; Dr. Janet Pope, executive director of Louisiana School Boards Association; State Rep. Buddy Mincey; and seated, Louisiana House of Representatives Speaker Clay Schexnayder.

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System recently hosted the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Workforce Opportunity and Readiness Task Force, which was formed during the 2022 legislative session to study workforce readiness programs and activities in the state’s public schools.

“In order for Louisiana to be competitive with surrounding states, we must do our best to develop educational programs that engage and motivate our students outside of traditional programs,” said State Rep. Buddy Mincey of Denham Springs, who authored HCR 81 Resolution, creating the task force. “Our economy needs a trained workforce, who can meet high demand occupations that will provide long-term foundational support for a robust and growing economy.”

Over the next 18 months, the task force will identify successful practices and develop recommendations for promoting successful career and technical education programs across Louisiana. It will submit an initial report of its findings and recommendations by January 2023, with a final written report due by January 2024.

LIVE OAK JUNIOR HIGH GYM DESTROYED BY FIRE

A fire erupted in the Live Oak Junior High School gymnasium on June 22, destroying the building.

Nine local and nearby fire districts responded to the call, stabilizing the blaze by lunchtime, and successfully protecting surrounding classroom buildings from damage. The gym’s interior was destroyed by fire, smoke and water damage, as well as the fire caused the roof to become insecure, causing firefighters to abandon their work on the inside of the building at one point and only fight the blaze from the exterior.

“This is a tragic loss for the Watson community, as this building certainly holds many memories for so many. We are grateful that no one was injured, and we want to thank the 70-plus men and women who quickly responded to quench the fire and save the other buildings on our campus from being damaged,” Livingston Schools Superintendent Joe Murphy said.

Murphy said school officials will continue to work with the fire district investigators and the State Fire Marshall’s Office to get a full report on the blaze, and then determine the appropriate action for clean-up and rebuilding efforts.

The Livingston Parish Fire District 4 ladder truck stands outside the burning Live Oak Junior High School gym.  The gym is reported to be destroyed by fire, smoke, and water damage; however, all adjacent buildings on the campus were saved from any damage.

Livingston Parish Fire District 5 Chief Joe Koczrowski points to the compromised roof structure, as barely seen through the smoke and debris inside the damaged Live Oak Junior High gym.

DISTRICT TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEES WITH COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Employees of the Livingston Parish School System are now eligible to receive comprehensive mental health care for them and their dependents, thanks to the district’s investment in a new benefits package.

Superintendent Joe Murphy said the district has investment in services provided by TotalCare EAP, offering employees, their spouses and dependents, access to counseling services designed to address significant life problems. The benefits include counseling and guidance on issues such as career and education, parenting, cyber safety, human resources and supervisor management, challenges of military deployment or simply coping with “tough times.” Those “tough times” may include relationship issues, depression, grief, eating disorders, financial or legal struggles, retirement planning or quality of life issues.

“It’s important that we give our employees all the tools they need to effectively do their job, and sometimes that includes assistance with coping with difficult challenges,” Murphy said.

“We all know that issues we deal with in the home can impact our performance on the job, just as difficult days at work can negatively impact our home life.  The two lives are not inseparable, so we want to give our people the resources they need to manage issues on the campus and in their homes in a healthy, productive way.”

Many of the services provided by TotalCare EAP can be accessed online, through tele-med or tele-health appointments, or by having access to a wealth of collected wellness information, videos and blogs.  The service also provides employees with a list of local physicians or certified counselors who could assist with their health care needs.

PICOU SERVES AS DISTRICT 8 ACTING BOARD MEMBER

Norman Picou, acting board member for Livingston Parish School Board District 8

The Livingston Parish School Board recently appointed long-time educator, basketball coach and school administrator Norman Picou to serve as the acting board member for District 8, following the early departure of board member Frank Parrino.

Parrino resigned his seat due to health complications. His term was scheduled to run through the end of the calendar year.  Elections for all parish school board seats will be held this fall with elected candidates taking office in January 2023. The primary election for the school board seats will be held Nov. 8, and the run-off election, if necessary, will be held Dec. 10.

“I retired from the system with nearly 35 years of experience in education, including 23 in Livingston Parish.  I felt that serving in this temporary capacity would be a way of giving back to the system and helping out District 8 until the voters could choose a new representative,” said Picou.  He did not qualify to run for the open seat.

WALKER HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Walker High School Principal Jason St. Pierre, winner of the Varsity Brands School Spirit Principal of the Year Award.

Jason St. Pierre, principal of Walker High School, has been named the 2022 Varsity Brands School Spirit Principal of the Year, a prestigious national award that recognizes those school principals who elevate student experiences at their campuses.

Varsity Brands announced the national winners during a ceremony webcast on June 15.  As the winner in the principal category, St. Pierre will receive a $3,000 scholarship for his school.  Visit Walker High School’s Facebook page to see a recording of the live award presentation.

“This principal understands the essential link between school spirit and student achievement and supports academics and athletics alike. This principal is personable, active in school activities, encouraging to students and faculty, and innovative in his approach to education and engagement,” Varsity Brands wrote on its website.

HORNET ACADEMY OFFERING OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO CATCH UP OR GET AHEAD

Educators and school administrators in the Albany School District will host the Hornet Academy, July 11-22, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. each weekday, offering academic remediation programs in a “camp-like” atmosphere.

Hornet Academy is open to all students in the Albany area who will be entering grades 1 through 12 in the upcoming school year. (They recently completed Kindergarten through Grade 11).

Programs for grades 1-6 will be held at Albany Upper Elementary, while grades 7-12 will be held at Albany High School.

“The Hornet Academy is a community-wide summer remediation program, serving all students in Albany through a fun two-week format. The academy will be run much like a summer camp,” School Board Member Devin Gregoire said.

Registration is open now until June 28.  Parents wishing to sign up their student(s) can register online.

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION

Do you know a student who is new to Livingston Parish?

New students can be registered with the district through an online portal. Required information includes a birth certificate, immunization record, three proofs of residency, custody documents (if applicable), social security card, last report card (if available), and the withdrawal form from the student’s previous school (if applicable).

A proof of residency document must have the name of the parent or guardian and the physical address.  A post office box address is NOT acceptable. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, water bill, cable or phone bill, property taxes, voter registration, SNAP benefits, a bank statement, current lease agreement or home purchase documents.  At least one of the submitted documents MUST be the utility bill, water bill, cable or phone bill, or home purchase documents.

Registration applications are available in English and Spanish, and available for the Literacy and Technology Center Automotive Learning Center, the LPLTC Elementary Virtual Program and the Livingston Virtual Program for Grades 6-12.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION TO REQUEST UPDATED STUDENT INFORMATION

Parents of students returning to Livingston Parish Public Schools will be emailed a link on Monday, July 11, to allow them to update their student(s) information.  This update process CANNOT be done through the PowerSchool Parent App.

Any parent who does not receive an email by the end of the day on Monday, July 11, should check their clutter, spam, or junk mail folders. If the email is not there, call the student’s school on July 12 to provide correct email and contact information.

LEGISLATIVE AUDIT REPORT POINTS OUT NEED FOR INCREASED SALARIES

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor recently detailed the impacts of the state’s struggle to recruit and retain high-performing teachers, noting that teacher pay and qualifications affect student outcomes across all levels. According to the audit, higher pay would make teachers more likely to stay in the state, which would help the state develop and retain experienced teachers.

The report stated that during the 2019-2020 academic year, Louisiana teachers had an average salary of around $51,566, which ranked 12th of the 16 Southern Regional Education Board states. The average of the SREB states was $55,205, about 6.6% higher than Louisiana’s average pay during that year. The national average is around $64,100.

That same report showed that the average teacher pay in Livingston Parish Public Schools during that same time was $50,243 – more than $1,300 below the state average and nearly $5,000 below the average of the SREB states. Click here to see an article on teacher pay and the averages for all school districts in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Legislature did approve a pay increase for teachers and school staff workers in the 2022-2023 budget.  The approved budget includes a $1,500 pay raise for K-12 teachers and a $750 raise for support workers. Those increases will go into effect after July 1. This latest increase is the fifth that K-12 teachers have received over the last several years.

DISTRICT SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR JOB POSITIONS

Livingston Parish Schools recently hosted a district-wide Career Fair at Denham Springs Junior High.

The district interview more than 250 applicants for job positions in all classifications across the district, including teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, bus drivers, food service technicians, maintenance workers, technology specialists and various special education professionals, according to Human Resources Supervisor Steve Vampran.

Interested persons also can sign up online through the district’s application portal.

“This was the first district-wide employee recruiting event Livingston Schools has hosted since 2008.  We want to extend invitations to anyone interested in working for Livingston Parish Public Schools to explore the opportunities we offer,” Vampran said.

North Corbin Assistant Principal Brandy Autrey, left, and Principal Ashley Smith, middle, interview Jazmin Williams for a teaching position at their school.

Live Oak High School Assistant Principal Eric Fasbender, left, interview Michael Partin for a possible teaching position at his school. Partin said teaching will be a new career for him, as he formerly served in the military and worked as a shipping receiving manager for many years. But over that time, he said he enjoyed working with youth at his church and in his community.

ALBANY VOTERS SUPPORT FUNDING FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS

Voters in the Albany School District agreed to make a significant investment in their local schools by passing a half-cent sales tax in the April 30 election.  The funding proposition for the local school district passed with nearly 60 percent of the vote.

The half-cent sales tax is expected to raise between $200,000 and $300,000 annually for the Albany School Tax District, according to School Board Member Dr. Devin Gregoire, who represents the Albany schools.

Gregoire has said that funds from the tax will be used to build a new elementary cafeteria, a new middle school gym, and a track-and-field facility for all grade levels.

ASST. SUPT. STEPHEN PARRILL RETIRES, BRUCE CHAFFIN PROMOTED

Assistant Superintendent Jody Purvis presents fellow Assistant Superintendent Stephen Parrill with a parting gift and words of recognition during his retirement celebration at the Suma Professional Development Center on May 25.

Assistant Superintendent Stephen Parrill has retired after more than 30 years working as an educator and school administrator.

Human Resources Supervisor Bruce Chaffin has been appointed to replace Parrill’s vacated position.

Parrill has served as a teacher, coach, school administrator and district administrator.  He began his career in 1991 at Hammond Junior High, where he taught Louisiana history, reading, and speech while also serving as a coach for football and track.

He moved to the Livingston Parish school system in 1995 and began teaching at Springfield Middle, where he remained for 12 years. Parrill taught world history and speech, served as a special education teacher, and coached the football and basketball teams. He was promoted to assistant principal of the school in 1999 and then principal in 2001.  He was promoted to the district’s central office in 2007.

Parrill was recognized multiple times during his time at Springfield Middle. He was the school’s teacher of the year in 1998-99 and was later named the parish’s principal of the year in 2006-07. He has also served as a principal mentor for the Louisiana Department of Education since 2002. He worked as supervisor of middle school instruction before being promoted to assistant superintendent in 2016.

One of Parrill’s most-beloved services was he role as “Captain Patch,” a loveable, larger-than-life, swashbuckling pirate who would tour the elementary schools each year.

The district held a retirement celebration for Parrill at the LPPS Suma Development Center on May 25.

LIVINGSTON SCHOOLS CONTINUE FREE FOOD SERVICE THROUGH JUNE 30

Livingston Parish Schools will continue its partnership with Focus Foods to provide free meal service to school children during the month of June.

Food Services Director Sommer Purvis said Focus Foods will continue to deliver five-day packages of shelf stable food items each week through June 30 to families who have signed up for the service.  Food packages can also be picked up at 19097 Florida Boulevard in Albany (next to Anytime Fitness) from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays-Fridays.

“Families who signed up for the food deliveries during the school year will continue to receive the food packages through June 30.  Families who are not signed up, but they would like to receive the food items, can sign up for home delivery or for scheduled pick-ups in Albany,” Purvis said.

ALBANY VOTERS ASKED TO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

The Livingston Parish School Board is asking voters to vote on a proposition to add a half-cent sales tax to purchases made in the Albany School District to pay for local school construction projects. A half-cent sales tax levied in the Albany School Tax District is projected to raise approximately $300,000 annually.

The school construction projects currently proposed include a new middle school gymnasium, a new track and field facility for all grade-level athletes, and a new elementary cafeteria. The proposed facilities will be constructed at the current site of the Albany School complex.

Election Day is April 30, and early voting is April 16-23

LIVINGSTON SCHOOLS RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE AT ALL LEVELS

Livingston Parish’s outstanding educators, administrators, school support workers and students recently gathered in the Walker High School gymnasium for an evening of recognition and celebration.

Those recognized by the district administration included the top students from each school, and the district’s top winners in the categories of principal, teacher, administrative support worker, classified employee, child nutrition employee, and custodian. The district also recognized those schools that received academic recognition from the Louisiana Department of Education.  All winners were announced by their school, and a complete list is on the district website.

LEARNING MADE FUN AT STEAM EXPO

Duane Whitecotton from Southeastern Louisiana University’s Simulation and Technology program shows students at the Livingston Parish STEAM Expo how medical technology is being used to monitor human heartbeats and other vital functions.

More than 1,000 children, parents and community members gathered at the Denham Springs High School STEM & Robotics Center on Saturday, March 12, to experience learning in the festive environment of the district’s STEAM Expo.

They visited demonstration booths, special presentations and hands-on games and activities both inside the building and out on the crowded parking lot.

STEM & Robotics Center Director Michael Simmons noted that the STEAM Expo focused on learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

“The Expo had robotics demonstrations, hands-on activities, 3-D Virtual Reality building design by Domain Architecture, K-9 demonstrations from the Livingston Parish Sherriff’s Office, Fire in the Wire from DEMCO, and many more amazing displays and interactive activities from community participants,” Simmons said.

WATCH THIS VIDEO ON “OUR WHY” IN LIVINGSTON PARISH SCHOOLS

Livingston Parish Public Schools serves more than 26,000 students across the district and is the parish’s largest employer with more than 3,000 employees.  Each day, our people strive to make a positive difference and create a climate that enhances learning.  Take a moment to learn more about the district and the surrounding parish, by watching this short video.

THANK YOU VOTERS!

Livingston Parish voters on March 26 renewed a 5-mill property tax that funds parish-wide construction projects, renovations, and improvements to all school facilities and property.  The 5.0 mills generate approximately $3.1 million each year, and are the only funds dedicated to construction projects throughout the parish. The successful renewal will allow the funding to remain intact through 2033.

SCHOOL BOARD AWARDS SUPERINTENDENT NEW CONTRACT

Superintendent Joe Murphy

The Livingston Parish Public School Board voted unanimously to approve a new two-year contract for Superintendent Joe Murphy at the Feb. 17 meeting, extending his tenure at the district’s helm through June 30, 2024.

The board approved Murphy’s new contract at an annual salary of $137,374.

Louisiana’s law limits the term of a school district superintendent’s contract to not more than two years into a new board term.  However, Murphy would have the right to ask for an extension of the new contract anytime during the new contractual period. The new board term begins January 1, 2023, as elections for the four-year seats will be held this fall.

“Mr. Murphy has done an excellent job for us.  It has been a hard job over these past few years. It’s been tough on everyone, and especially on him, but he’s lead us through it,” Livingston Parish School Board President Cecil Harris said.

As a district administrator, Murphy led efforts to restore all the schools damaged by the August 2016 flood, including the rebuilding of three substantially damaged schools – Denham Springs Elementary, Southside Elementary and Southside Junior High.  His tasks have included negotiations with FEMA and government officials to determine recovery procedures that were eligible for federal funding.  Under his leadership, the district garnered more than $57 million to rebuild the three destroyed schools, as well as more than $4 million more to clean and disinfect the other thirty-nine campuses, increase the district’s number of computers and laptops available to students, and enhance Internet and WiFi service throughout the district.

Murphy led the district’s effort in February 2021 to provide a $1,000 stipend to all full-time employees, and then in the fall of 2021 provided a $1,000 annual increase to all certified personnel and a $500 annual increase to all classified employees, along with a $750 stipend to all employees.

ELECTION MARCH 26: “TIME TO RENEW” 70-YEAR DEDICATED MILLAGE

The Livingston Parish School Board is asking voters to renew a 5-mill ad valorem tax this month that is dedicated to funding parish-wide construction projects, renovations and improvements to all school facilities and property in the parish.

The funding renewal request is not a new tax, and a vote for the proposition will not increase the millage rate paid each year by taxpayers.

“This is an essential school funding source that has enabled the district to maintain its many facilities over the years.  Hundreds of projects, large and small, are managed with these funds,” Superintendent Joe Murphy said.

The proposition will be on the March 26 ballot, with early voting available March 12-19.

Parish voters created the dedicated funding source in 1952 – 70 years ago – and have continually renewed it every 10 years since. The current proposition is also a 10-year renewal, which will allow the funding to remain in place through 2032.

Murphy noted that the dedicated 5 mills generate approximately $3.1 million each year for the district to invest in school facility projects in every community.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION OPENS THIS MONTH

Livingston Parish Public Schools will hold “Registration Assistance Days” in March and April for parents of children who will attend kindergarten classes for the 2022-2023 school year.

A child must turn 5 years old on or before Sept. 30, 2022, to be eligible to register for kindergarten. Parents are required to register their child through the district’s PowerSchool registration portal, which can be accessed through links on the district’s homepage at www.lpsb.org or by visiting the district’s New Student Registration page.

A full schedule for Kindergarten Registration Assistance Days is also available online.

Only those children who are not currently enrolled in the district should register or seek assistance with kindergarten registration.

LOCAL EDUCATORS NAMED HUNGER HEROES

Pictured left to right, Seventh Ward Elementary’s Leigh Potts and Sherry Wentzel package food items to provide to students at their school who need assistance with having access to nutritious food. Potts and Wentzel were named one of the state’s 2022 Hunger Heroes.

“No Kid Hungry Louisiana” has named Seventh Ward Elementary’s duo Leigh Potts and Sherry Wentzel as one of eight Hunger Heroes from across the state who are being honored for their steadfast commitment to ensuring kids have healthy meals available to them.

Wentzel is a special education teacher and Potts is a guidance counselor at Seventh Ward Elementary.  The two-person team was nominated by the staff at their school for the “No Kid Hungry Louisiana” 2022 Hunger Heroes award.

“Both ladies work endlessly to ensure that no kids in their school or community go hungry,” said Seventh Ward Elementary Principal Laura Dunlap.

(insert photo – cutline: Pictured left to right, Seventh Ward Elementary’s Leigh Potts and Sherry Wentzel package food items to provide to students at their school who need assistance with having access to nutritious food. Potts and Wentzel were named one of the state’s 2022 Hunger Heroes.)

LIVINGSTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD ELECTS LEADERSHIP

The Livingston Parish School Board recently elected a new president and vice president for the 2022 calendar year.  A majority of the board’s nine members selected Cecil Harris of District 5 in Denham Springs as president, and Jeff Cox of District 6 in Walker as vice president. Both were selected by a 7-0 vote.

Cecil Harris,                          School Board President

Jeff Cox,                                School Board Vice President

LIVINGSTON PARISH EDUCATORS LEARN WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AMONG
THE FEW, THE PROUD

Nikki Lavergne, an administrative assistant at the Livingston Parish Literacy and Technology Center in Walker, Louisiana, takes on an obstacle on Jan. 13 during the Educators Workshop at the Confidence Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina. (Photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Danielle Prentice

Completing a physically challenging obstacle course or accurately shooting a M16 rifle may not be required skills in their job descriptions, but five local educators were faced with those tasks earlier last month when they were selected to participate in a Marine Corps Educators Workshop.

Literacy and Technology Center Administrative Assistant Nikki Lavergne, Walker High School Teacher Jessica Wagner and coaches Rob Chapman and Doug Dotson, and Denham Springs High School Teacher Maria Ryan travelled to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in Parris Island, South Carolina, Jan. 11-14, to experience the basic training process first-hand.

The Marine Corps Recruit Training Regiment provided drill instructors to escort the workshop in the same manner as recruits in training. Drill instructors also presented the same receiving speech recruits go through when they arrive at the base. They also participated in the tour of the Crucible, which is the recruits’ capstone field training exercise where they attempt obstacles at the Leadership Reaction Course.

“I have a son in middle school who is expressing an interest in a military career, so I had a very personal interest in knowing more,” Lavergne said.  “I will say that I am much less apprehensive, and I am impressed with the many opportunities that exist with the Marine Corps. I would certainly tell my students to not dismiss the military as an option.  Do your research and find out what’s out there, because there is a lot to choose from.”

TIME FOR FACILITY FUNDING RENEWAL

Voters will go to the polls in March to vote on the renewal of a 10-year 5.0 mill property tax that has been on the rolls for 70 years.  Voters first created the facility funding source in 1952 and have supported its renewal ever since.

The funding is dedicated to parish-wide construction projects, renovations, improvements and the acquisition of school buildings and property.  The 5.0 mills generate more than $3.1 million for schools each year.

A vote YES for the renewal will NOT increase the amount of taxes currently paid by taxpayers. The proposition will be on the March 26 ballot. Early voting is scheduled for March 12-19, excluding Sunday, March 13.

FRENCH SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY MOURNS LOSS OF STUDENT

French Settlement High School Senior Emalea Sanchez

The French Settlement community is mourning the loss of one of its high school seniors who died following a car crash on Jan. 31.

Nineteen-year-old Emalea Sanchez was driving to school on Highway 16 when her care crashed between Mitchell Road and Shane Drive, less than a mile from the high school.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the student and to the French Settlement High School community at this time. We would ask that our greater Livingston Parish community join us in offering prayers for comfort to all who are hurting,” Superintendent Joe Murphy said.

A GoFundMe page has been organized for the family to help pay funeral expenses.

COMMUNITY EVENT HELD TO COMMEMORATE OPENING OF NEW CAMPUS

School officials held a community celebration on Feb. 12 to commemorate the opening of the new Denham Springs Elementary campus.  Activities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, presentations by school and elected officials, a tour of the campus and lunch for participants.

Pictured, from left to right, are Assistant Superintendent Jody Purvis, Human Resources Director Bruce Chaffin, School Board Member Jan Benton, U.S. Congressman Garret Graves, Assistant Superintendent Stephen Parrill, State Rep. Buddy Mincey, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, State Sen. J. Rogers Pope, DSE Principal Gail DeLee, School Board Member Brad Harris, DSE Instructional Coach Alicia Leonard, State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley, Denham Springs Councilman Jeff Wesley, Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry, Denham Springs Councilwoman Amber Dugas, Architectural Engineer Jim Ziler and Superintendent Joe Murphy.