WALKER HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP SEMIFINALIST

Walker High School Senior Caszandra Joy T. Dantea named a National Merit Semifinalist.

Walker High School Senior Caszandra Joy T. Dantea has been named a National Merit semifinalist.

She is among 199 high school seniors in Louisiana who were selected for the honor.  Those state winners are among the 16,000 semifinalists named across the nation for the 2024 class.  The semifinalists are now eligible to compete for National Merit scholarships valued at nearly $28 million.  Those winners will be announced in the spring.

The 199 Louisiana semifinalists are the students who scored the highest in the state during the 2021 administration of the PSAT, a preliminary test to the well-known SAT college placement exam.

JUBAN PARC ELEMENTARY NAMED NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

Juban Parc Elementary has been awarded the distinction of being a National Blue Ribbon School, one of the nation’s highest school honors.

Juban Parc Elementary is one of only nine Louisiana schools selected this year for the honor.  The others include St. Joseph’s Academy and St. Luke’s Episcopal in Baton Rouge, A.E. Phillips Lab School in Ruston, Archbishop Hannan High in Covington, Boley Elementary School in West Monroe, Broadmoor Elementary in Houma, Caddo Parish Middle Magnet School in Shreveport, and N.S.U. Elementary Lab School in Natchitoches.

“We are so thrilled and proud of our students and our incredible educators who have worked so hard to make a difference,” said Lauren Kennedy, principal of Juban Parc Elementary.

“This award recognizes our school for closing the achievement gap among all subgroups,” she said. “To help us do that, we have instituted community connection events that empower our students to connect with other students and with the community we live in. We are growing our students inside and outside the classroom.”

Public schools that earn Blue Ribbon awards are first nominated by their respective states; applications are submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for consideration. Private schools are recommended by the Council of American Private Education.

Public schools can earn their ribbons in two ways: if they are among the top-performing schools in their respective states, or if they have shown substantial progress in closing the achievement gap between all students and historically low-performing subsets of students, such as racial minorities and those living in poverty.

Some of the staff and students at Juban Parc Elementary celebrated “turning blue” to recognize their school becoming a National Blue Ribbon School. Others wore blue ribbons pinned to their shirts.

EIGHT PARISH HIGH SCHOOLS IN STATE’S TOP 100

The U.S. News & World Report ranking of the best high schools in Louisiana has listed eight of the parish’s nine high schools in the Top 100.

The 2023-2024 report ranks schools whose students demonstrate outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, reading and science state assessments, earn qualifying scores in an array of college-level exams, and graduate in high proportions.

The rankings for all Livingston Parish high schools are:

• Holden High School – ranked #15, scoring a 35.9 college readiness ranking and an 88% graduation rate (180 enrollment in grades 9-12)
• Live Oak High School – ranked #20, scoring a 35.2 college readiness ranking and a 95% graduation rate (1402 enrollment in grades 9-12)
• Springfield High School – ranked #45, scoring a 20.7 college readiness ranking and a 90% graduation rate (398 enrolled in grades 9-12)
• French Settlement High School – ranked #56, scoring a 31.2 college readiness ranking and a 93% graduation rate (293 enrolled in grades 9-12)
• Denham Springs High School – ranked #66, scoring a 20.4 college readiness ranking and a 92% graduation rate (1617 enrollment in grades 10-12)
• Maurepas High School – ranked #74, scoring a 20.7 college readiness ranking and an 84% graduation rate (108 enrolled in grades 9-12)
• Walker High School – ranked #75, scoring a 17.5 college readiness ranking and an 89% graduation rate (1998 enrolled in grades 9-12)
• Albany High School – ranked #86, scoring a 25.3 college readiness ranking and an 89% graduation rate (599 enrolled in grades 9-12)
• Doyle High School – ranked #105, scoring an 18.3 college readiness ranking and an 87% graduation rate (382 enrolled in grades 9-12)

Stephen Link

Stephen Link, District 9

• Inducted to the school board in January 2023
• Serves on Budget & Goals and Transportation Committees, and Chairs Curriculum & Policy Committee
• Resident of Albany
• Former Teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal in LPPS
• Earned Bachelor of Arts Degree from SLU in Hammond, Masters Degree from University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, and 30+ Education Certification from SLU in Hammond
• Graduate of Hammond High School
• Married to Michele Link, retired teacher/instructional coach at Albany Lower Elementary
• Father to Sarah Link Williams and Logan Link, both graduates of Albany High School; grandfather of Balen Williams (5 years).

“I am working to increase parent participation in our Albany Schools. I will find creative ways to involve the community in our Albany Schools, and I will be the District 9 advocate for capital investments in our schools’ infrastructure.”

ALBANY TEACHER NAMED LOUISIANA’S NEW TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Phoenix Morel LeBlanc, Louisiana New Teacher of the Year

Albany Middle School’s Phoenix Morel LeBlanc has been named the Louisiana New Teacher of the Year winner.

LeBlance was selected from a field of 9 first-year teachers from across the state. The award was presented during the 17th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which was held at the WWII Museum in New Orleans on July 22.  Albany Lower Elementary Teacher Payton O’Nellion was also a finalist in the competition.

“We are excited and proud of Ms. Phoenix for receiving this amazing accolade. Her professionalism, content mastery, work ethic and genuine concern for the academic, social, and behavioral growth and success of all students has made her a deserving recipient of this award,” Albany Middle School Principal John Hill said.

LeBlanc teaches 7th grade science at Albany Middle School. She is also the head cheerleading coach and sponsor of the Albany Middle School science club. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University.

As the state’s “New Teacher of the Year,” LeBlanc will serve on a state committee to help train new educators, as well as attend professional learning modules and affinity groups that provide guidance in classroom management, standards and curriculum, and other education challenges.

Pictured at the statewide LDOE Excellence Awards Gala in New Orleans in July, from left to right, are Livingston Parish School Superintendent Joe Murphy, Louisiana New Teacher of the Year Phoenix Morel LeBlanc, Livingston Parish School Board Member Steven Link, and New Teacher of the Year Finalist Payton O’Nellion.

LIVINGSTON PARISH SCHOOLS EARN TOP 10 RANKING

Livingston Parish Public Schools earned a Top 10 ranking statewide for the percentage of students in Grades 3-8 and high school who scored Mastery or Advanced on the LEAP 2025 Assessment, based on results from the 2022-2023 school year, which were released by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Overall, 41 percent of all students in Livingston Parish scored Mastery or Advanced on the assessment, which is the state’s standard tool for measuring proficiency in English/Language Arts (ELA), math, science and social studies for grades 3-12.  The district’s overall score far outpaces the state’s average of 33 percent of students scoring Mastery or Advanced.

The Louisiana Department of Education reports student scores on five levels: Unsatisfactory, Approaching Basic, Basic, Mastery, or Advanced. Students scoring Mastery and Advanced are considered proficient, or ready for the next grade level.

The 41 percent of students who scored Mastery or Advanced is the same overall score earned by the district on last year’s assessment. However, this year’s report shows nearly half of the district’s schools receiving scores, 19 of 42, grew 1 to 6 percentage points for students scoring Mastery or Advanced.

BREAKDOWN OF SCORES SHOWS DISTRICT OUTPACED THE STATE AVERAGE IN EVERY CATEGORY

Kelly LaBauve, supervisor of assessment and accountability, said a breakdown of Livingston Parish’s LEAP scores by subject area shows that 53% of Livingston Parish students scored Mastery or Advanced in ELA; 39% scored Mastery or Advanced in math; 37% scored at those levels in science; and 34% scored at the top two levels in social studies.

She said 20 of Livingston Parish’s schools grew their percentages of Mastery and Advanced scores 1 to 12 percent in ELA. Nineteen schools grew their percentage of Mastery and Advanced scores 1 to 9 percent in science; 18 grew their percentages in those top categories by 1 to 8 percent in social studies, and 17 schools grew their percentage of Mastery and Advanced scores by 1 to 11 percent in math.

LaBauve noted that while the percentages of Mastery and Advanced scores are lower overall in science and social studies, they rank high statewide, 9th and 10th place, respectively.

FREE MEALS CONTINUED FOR ALL STUDENTS

Livingston Parish School System leaders recently elected to continue the district’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program that allows all student meals to continue to be served for free for the 2023-2024 school year.

Director of School Food Services Sommer Purvis estimates the average cost per year for a student to eat breakfast and lunch is approximately $1,200 per student.

“The cost of food has become a growing hardship in our current economy. The CEP program allows us to take away some of that burden for our families during the school year,” Purvis said.

The CEP program is managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and it makes available free meal services without the necessity of household meal applications.

Purvis said the district has participated in the CEP program since 2016, following the flood that severely damaged more than 70 percent of residences, schools, churches, and businesses in the parish. CEP reimburses the district for food costs based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals according to their participation in other specific means-tested programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Katelyn Lockhart Cockerham, District 7

• Inducted to the school board in January 2023
• Serves on the Transportation, Curriculum & Policy and Cost Savings Committees
• Resident of Walker
• Senior Development Manager for the American Cancer Society
• Studied business and marketing at LSU
• Graduate of Walker High School
• Married to Logan Cockerham, compliance supervisor with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
• Mother to Nolan (7), Mary Catherine (4) and Stella (2). Nolan attends North Corbin Elementary

“Increasing transparency, being visible on the campuses of District 7, and being active within my community are what pushed me to run for this position. Serving on this board for the teachers and students of Livingston Parish is one of my life’s greatest honors.”

Katelyn Lockhart Cockerham

DISTRICT REPORTS ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

The following construction projects are currently underway or in the planning phase:

Albany Upper/Lower Elem New Cafeteria & Classrooms
Status: In Design
Contractor: Gasaway, Gasaway, Bankston
Budget: $7,200,000
Targeted Bid Date: October 2023
Targeted Completion: May 2025

Holden High School students will be welcomed to their campus by a newly renovated Industrial Arts Building and new classrooms for welding and carpentry.

Holden High School Industrial Arts Building Renovation & Classrooms
Status: In Construction
Contractor: Ziler Architects
Budget: $1.6 million
Targeted Completion: August 2023

The new French Settlement High School fieldhouse is being constructed on the site of the baseball and softball complex

French Settlement High School Fieldhouse
Status: In Construction
Contractor: McLin Construction
Budget: $873,300
Targeted Completion: November 2023

Students at FSHS will be able to enjoy the natural setting of their campus this schoolyear thanks to a newly constructed outdoor classroom.

French Settlement High School  Office Renovations
Status: In Construction
Contractor: McLin Construction
Budget: $160,000
Targeted Completion: August 2023

French Settlement High School Outdoor Classroom
Status: Completed
Contractor: McLin Construction
Budget: $82,000

Live Oak Jr High School New Gymnasium
Status: In Design
Contractor: Gasaway, Gasaway, Bankston
Budget: $5,600,000
Targeted Bid Date: September 2023
Targeted Completion: November 2024

Live Oak High School Football Field Artificial Turf & Track Replacement and
Live Oak Jr High School Football Field Artificial Turf Conversion
Status: In Construction
Designer: Simpson Sports Engineering
Contractor: Gasaway, Gasaway, Bankston
Budget: $2,626,000
Targeted Completion: July 2023

Live Oak High School STEM Facilities
Status: In Construction
Contractor: Gasaway, Gasaway, Bankston
Budget: $5,214,566
Targeted Completion: February 2024

The new cafeteria and classroom building at Springfield High School will open with the start of the new school year.

Springfield High School New Cafeteria & Classrooms
Status: In Construction
Contractor: Gasaway, Gasaway, Bankston
Budget: $5,214,566
Targeted Completion: August 2023

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE ANNOUNCES COLLECTION DATES

Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor has announced that local volunteers will be collecting donations for this year’s ASSESS THE NEED (ATN) school supply drive on Aug. 5-6 and Aug. 12-13. This year’s effort marks the 23rd consecutive year of the parish-wide program.

ATN is a not-for-profit program that provides supplies for Livingston Parish students in need of assistance. Taylor said the program plans to meet the needs of more than 3,000 students in all the district’s 43 public schools, including Pre-K and Head Start programs. The supplies will be provided to those students at the start of the school year.

Collection efforts will include volunteers standing outside ten of the parish’s Associated Grocers, Inc., stores – Carter’s Supermarkets in Albany, Springfield, Livingston, Walker, Hatchell Lane in Denham Springs, and Vincent Road in Denham Springs; Oak Point Fresh Market in Watson; Village Market in Port Vincent, White Hall Grocery in Maurepas, and Diversion Market in Head of Island.  Volunteers will collect donations at those sites Aug. 4-5 and Aug. 12-13; each day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All donations are tax deductible, and all proceeds go to support student needs in Livingston Parish. Donations can be given in-person to volunteers or through a secure link to Venmo provided below.”

VENMO ID: @Assess-The-Need-1

LAUNCH LIVINGSTON SETS MISSION ON RECRUITING AND RETAINING TEACHERS

The district is promoting a two-fold effort to recruit and retain teachers for the 2023-2024 school year through its Launch Livingston program.

Mission No. 1 is to retain teachers by assisting them in completing their Level 1 Certification through the state’s alternate certification program. The district will provide $1,000 in tuition reimbursement support to qualified applicants.

Mission No. 2 is to recruit and retain candidates who are eligible for alternate certification. The district is partnered with LRCE to provide training and is committed to subsidizing $2,000 in related costs to a cohort of 50 teacher candidates. To qualify for the program, persons must be an active LPPS employee, have a four-year college degree with a 2.2 GPA or better, agree to a two-year contract, and submit an application by July 21.

For more information on both mission assignments, visit www.lpsb.org and click on the Launch Livingston link.

Brad Sharp, District 1

• first elected to the school board in 2019; ran unopposed for re-election in 2023.
• Board Chairman of Cost Savings Committee
• resident of Livingston
• owner and manager of Porky’s Boudin & Cajun Meats
• formerly worked for LPPS Maintenance for 18 years
• Graduate of Doyle High School, Earned HVAC certification from Associated Builders & Contractors Program
• Married to Ashley Sharp, principal of Springfield Middle School
• Father to Audrey (17), Trace (9) and Sadie (5); all attend Doyle Schools

“I’m here for the kids. Every decision I make is with that in mind.  There is nothing that overrides the well-being and safety of our children.”

WHS PRINCIPAL AND NEW TEACHERS COMPETING FOR STATE’S TOP AWARDS

Walker High School Principal Jason St. Pierre, right, has been named a semifinalist for the Louisiana Principal of the Year Award.  He is pictured with Livingston Parish School Superintendent Joe Murphy, left, receiving the Livingston Parish High School Principal of the Year award.

Walker High School Principal Jason St. Pierre, Albany Lower Elementary Teacher Payton O’Nellion and Albany Middle School Teacher Phoenix LeBlanc have been named a semifinalist and finalists, respectively, for the Louisiana Department of Education’s Principal of the Year and New Teacher of the Year awards.

Twenty-four teachers and 24 principals have been named Teacher and Principal of the Year semifinalists. Nine teachers have been named New Teacher of the Year finalists.

All Teacher and Principal of the Year semifinalists and the New Teacher of the Year finalists will be honored at the 17th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held July 22 at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.  The event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.

Albany Middle School Teacher Phoenix LeBlanc, left, and Albany Lower Elementary Teacher Payton O’Nellion, right, have been named finalists for the Louisiana New Teacher of the Year Award. They are pictured with Livingston Parish School Superintendent Joe Murphy, receiving their district awards.

CAMPERS ENJOY HANDS-ON LEARNING WITH STEAM EXPRESS

STEAM Express volunteer Mya Gregoire, left, and PARDS Camp Counselor Destiny Davis, second to right, assist summer camp participants Noah Champagne and Gavin LaGrone, left to right respectively, make the correct patterns with colored triangles as indicated by an electronic software program.

PARDS Summer Campers Dawson Rene and Abram Young, pictured left to right, work with battery operated circuit boards to create assorted sounds and lighting patterns. The fun science station was made available to them on the STEAM Express, a mobile learning lab that is operated by Livingston Parish Public Schools.

Campers at the Parks & Recreation District of Denham Springs (PARDS) enjoyed a variety of hands-on science activities this month, as the STEAM Express made a special visit to some of its day sessions.

STEAM Express Director Jolie Gregoire said the mobile learning lab has booked several “field visits” for this summer to help expose more children to fun learning activities.

“When children can engage in scientific and engineering-based activities in the context of a fun activity, like summer camp, then it’s a great way to make learning fun and interesting,” Gregoire said.  “Our hope is that the more our students can engage in these types of activities, then the more inclined they may become to pursue more learning in these areas, and eventually pursue a career in that path.”

Gregoire said community organizations interested in having the STEAM Express participate in their activities can contact her at 225-686-4233 or at jolie.gregoire@lpsb.org to determine availability and to schedule an appearance.

LIVINGSTON PARISH STUDENTS WIN NATIONAL ART CONTEST

Two Livingston Parish Public School students are winners in this year’s 2023 National ESS Art Contest.

Jacob Li, a student at Live Oak Elementary School, won the 3-5 Grade competition, while Sherry Yang, a student at Live Oak High School, won the 9-12 Grade competition.  Both students earned a $500 check for themselves and their schools.

ESS is a national education management and staffing solution corporation that seeks to provide qualified substitute and permanent employees for school districts across the nation. ESS also provides training for applicants.

This year’s nationwide competition fielded 1,600 entries from students in grades K-12 who created original artwork representing the theme “If you could take a school field trip anywhere, where would you go?”

Live Oak Middle School Student Jacob Li was presented with a $500 cash award for being named the Grade 3-5 winner of the ESS Art Contest. His school also received a $500 award. Pictured, from left to right, are ESS Tangipahoa Substitute Program Manager Clarissa Quinn, Assistant Principal of Live Oak Middle School Rhonda Blount, Hui Li (Jacob’s father), Jacob Li, Yan Li (Jacob’s mother), and local art teacher Vivienne Wu.

Winner of the 3-5 Grade Level ESS Art Contest – Entry by Jacob Li

Live Oak High School Student Sherry Yang, pictured second from left, is presented with a $500 cash award for herself and another $500 check for her school for being named the Grade 9-12 ESS Art Contest winner. Pictured, from left to right, are local art teacher Vivienne Wu, Yang, Live Oak High School Principal Beth Jones, and ESS Tangipahoa Substitute Program Manager Clarissa Quinn.

Winner of the 9-12 Grade Level ESS Art Contest – Entry by Sherry Yang

FIVE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SET TO BEGIN FIREFIGHTING CAREERS

Five Livingston Parish high school seniors recently completed the state’s first-ever high school firefighting training program. Pictured from left to right are LPFPD4 Training and Safety Officer Frank Dellucky, Springfield High Senior Elijah Johnson, Walker High Senior Adon Kent, Springfield High Senior William Woodson, Walker High Senior Kainnon Champagne, and Springfield High Senior Barrett Drury, and LPFPD4 Chief of Training and Safety Keesler Fly.

Five Livingston Parish high school seniors have completed the state’s first-ever high school firefighting training program, earning certifications in managing hazardous materials and firefighting skills, enabling them to gain employment as professional fire fighters after graduation.

The five students are Springfield High School Seniors Barrett Drury, William Woodson and Elijah Johnson, and Walker High School Seniors Kainnon Champagne and Adon Kent.

The program’s core training was developed by the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy in conjunction with the Louisiana High School Firefighter Training Program Committee

“The program serves as a tool to promote youth participation within the fire and emergency services community,” Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 4 (LPFPD4) Chief of Training and Safety Keesler Fly said. “By participating in this program, our state’s youth will have the chance to learn about local fire, rescue and emergency response organizations in a safe, controlled and educational manner.”

Fly said LPFPD4 recently held its inaugural graduation ceremony for the five students at the department’s headquarters in Walker. They received pins and plaques commemorating their accomplishments.

They were recognized for learning about fire and emergency response. Certifications were awarded for Hazardous Materials Awareness, Hazardous Materials Operations, Firefighter I, and Firefighter II.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LEADERS VISIT FRENCH SETTLEMENT HIGH SCHOOL

Those attending the Teacher Advisory Spotlight Session at French Settlement High School on May 1 included, from left to right, Livingston Schools Curriculum Coordinator Jennifer Vicknair, Livingston Schools Assistant Superintendents Jody Purvis and Bruce Chaffin, Livingston Schools Superintendent Joe Murphy, French Settlement High School Math & STEM Teacher and LDOE Teacher Advisory Council Member Erik Willie, French Settlement High School Principal John Chewning, LDOE Math Director Jamie Hebert, LDOE ELA Manager Shantell Lee, and LDOE Education Technology Director Bonnie Chelette, and Joni Landry Executive Assistant to State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley.

Leaders from the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) and Livingston Parish Public Schools visited French Settlement High School (FSHS) on May 1 for a Teacher Advisory Spotlight Session hosted by local Math and STEM Teacher Erik Willie.

The session focused on new math and English Language Arts initiatives taking place at the state level, with updates being made to the LDOE website and resources to better suit the needs of teachers and students across the state.

FSHS Principal Mr. John Chewning and several math and ELA teachers ranging from Grades 5-12 participated in the meeting. Several students helped to facilitate the meeting.

NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY TEACHER RECOGNIZED BY NIET DURING TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

Northside Elementary Teacher Jessica Walker was recently spotlighted by the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) during National Teacher Appreciation Week. Walker teaches 4th & 5th grade special education students.

The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) recently recognized Northside Elementary’s Jessica Walker during National Teacher Appreciation Week as part of the organization’s efforts to spotlight the enormous contribution teachers are making to their schools and communities.

Walker teaches 4th and 5th grade special education students at Northside Elementary. She was asked what is something that has made being a teacher worth the many challenges that exist in education.

“The opportunity to make an impact in the life of a child makes being in education worth it. My goal as a teacher is to reach the unreachable child and teach them to believe in themselves,” Walker said.

“At the very beginning of the school year, I start working on building confidence. I want my students to approach every math problem, essay, question set, or reading assignment with a positive attitude. I have watched several of my students go from complete breakdowns while writing to smiling and proudly showing their essay to other teachers on campus,” she said. “To watch a child bloom mentally and develop a love for learning while genuinely being proud of themselves–that is what makes it all worth it as a teacher.”

Walker first started working for Livingston Parish School in 2015 as a tutor. That experience inspired her to go to college to pursue a special education teaching degree. She completed her degree in 2021, while still continuing to work in the district, and for the past two years, has been a full-time classroom teacher.

NIET partners with schools, districts and states to develop sustainable systems for school improvement, teacher and leader development, rubric and observation and comprehensive reform. For the past 20 years, NIET has worked in more than 9,000 schools across the country.

PANELISTS SHARE DANGERS OF FENTANYL

Seven panelists recently participated in the Fentanyl Community Awareness Event that was held at the Denham Springs High School STEM & Robotics Center on May 8.  The panelists included, pictured left to right, Dan Schneider, a pharmacist; Steven Hofer, assistant special agent in charge for the Baton Rouge District Office of the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration; Rebecca Chiasson, chemistry manager at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab; Dr. Ron Coe, Livingston Parish coroner since 2004; Sgt. Cody Jarreau, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office; Sgt. Keith Scoby, Denham Springs Police Department (standing); and Kristopher Guedry, emergency room nurse at Our Lady of the Lake’s Children’s Hospital. The session was sponsored by the Livingston Parish Students Against Destructive Decisions.

SCHOOL BOARD IMPLEMENTS CHANGES IN RESPONSE TO EMPLOYEE CONCERNS

The Livingston Parish Public School Board recently voted to approve a series of recommendations by the administration to address employee concerns and burdens, including ending the school year a full week early.

The board voted to move up the end of school for this year to May 19, rather than the scheduled May 26 date, allowing teachers to work virtually during that week if deemed appropriate by their campus principals. The virtual work week will allow the teachers to meet their contractual obligations.

Other action taken by the board included:

• Limiting the scheduling of parent-teacher conferences to a teacher’s contracted hours and during that teacher’s non-instructional time;
• Giving principals the discretion to discontinue any non-essential club or activity that takes place outside the sponsor’s contracted work period for which they are not being compensated; such activity may continue if the sponsor is compensated. This action does not impact those after-school activities for which sponsors are currently receiving a stipend.
• Not requiring school employees to work outside their contracted work hours to assist with athletic events or other extracurricular events, such as manning the gate, working concessions, or performing other related activities. For the remainder of the school year, any such after-hours tasks can only be filled voluntarily by an employee, or the employee shall be compensated at the discretion of the principal.
• Contracting with a third-party consultant to perform an analysis of the district’s staffing and salary structure.

Superintendent Joe Murphy said he presented the measures for board consideration in response to concerns from school employees across the district.

“The recommendations presented are a culmination of the information we have received at the central office staff, and through the Livingston Parish Teacher’s Association (LPTA) and the Livingston Parish Principals’ Association,” Murphy said. “I believe these changes are a starting point to help us through the end of the year, but I think we all know that we must have a plan for moving forward.”

Murphy noted that the concerns have compiled over the current school year, but school leaders had hoped the approval of a March 25 ballot measure to give a 10-percent pay raise to all employees would diminish some frustrations.

However, Livingston Parish voters rejected a 1-cent sale tax proposal that would have funded the salary increases. In addition to reducing employee frustrations, the pay increases are needed to allow Livingston Parish Public Schools to compete with employee pay scales in neighboring school districts.  Currently, the district ranks last in the region.

DISTRICT’S TOP PERFORMERS RECOGNIZED

School leaders with Livingston Parish Public Schools recently held a district-wide ceremony of celebration at the Walker High School gym to honor those students, teachers, principals, and staff workers who have been recognized as top performers in their respective categories.

At the same time, those schools receiving academic achievement awards from the Louisiana Department of Education were also recognized.

“This event is always a wonderful occasion to showcase some of our district’s top-performing professionals and top-performing students.  These are the people who are leading the push for excellence in our district,” Superintendent Joe Murphy said.

Pictured below are the district’s top winners. A full listing of award recipients and school honors is available on the district’s webpage.

Pictured, from left to right, are Livingston Parish’s 2023 Elementary Student of the Year Adeline Wolfe, Juban Parc Elementary; Middle School Student of the Year Sadie Foster, Southside Junior High; High School Student of the Year Sylvia White, Live Oak High School; and Superintendent Joe Murphy.

Pictured, from left to right, are Livingston Parish’s Elementary Principal of the Year Lauren Kennedy, Juban Parc Elementary; Superintendent Joe Murphy; Middle School Principal of the Year Brian Gunter, Westside Junior High School; and High School Principal of the Year Jason St. Pierre, Walker High School.

Pictured, from left to right, are Livingston Parish’s Middle School Teacher of the Year Tara Hymel, North Corbin Junior High; High School Teacher of the Year Yvette Hill, Springfield High School; Superintendent Joe Murphy, and Elementary Teacher of the Year Brice Larson, Northside Elementary.

Pictured with Superintendent Joe Murphy are this year’s New Teacher of the Year winners, Phoenix LeBlanc, Albany Middle School, left, and Payton O’Nellion, Albany Lower Elementary, right.

VOTERS TO DECIDE FUTURE OF LIVINGSTON PARISH SCHOOLS

Livingston Parish voters have an opportunity in the March 25 election to improve the district’s ability to hire and retain qualified employees.  The ballot includes a 1-cent sales tax proposition to fund a 10-percent salary increase, with a minimum $2,500 pay raise, for all Livingston Parish Public School employees.

The funding is needed to enable the district to compete with neighboring school systems.  Currently, Livingston Parish Public Schools ranks last in nearly every employee pay category, when compared to other districts nearby.  That disparity has caused many experienced employees to leave the district for higher pay, while also lessening the ability of local schools to attract new qualified hires.

For more information on the proposition and how the dedicated funds will be utilized, visit Livingston1Cent.com.

DISTRICT HOSTS CAREER FAIR ON APRIL 1

Livingston Parish Public Schools is hosting a district-wide Career Fair on Saturday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Southside Campus, located at 26535 La. Hwy 16 in Denham Springs.

Applicants for job positions are needed 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.  He noted that the Career Fair is not for current employees, but for prospective candidates to add to the district team.

Vampran said the district held its Career Fair last year in June, but this year’s event was scheduled earlier to allow Livingston Parish to compete with other school districts that are hosting similar job fairs in the coming weeks.

“This is a highly competitive environment,” he said. “We decided to move our event up earlier in the year to allow our administrators and school principals an opportunity to interview more candidates.”

Vampran said persons interested in working for Livingston Parish Public Schools can fill out an online registration form, which is available at www.lpsb.org.

SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL’S ROBOTIC TEAM QUALIFIES FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The Springfield High School “Bulldog Bytes” robotics team recently finished as the runner-up in the Louisiana State Championship Robotics Team competition, earning a spot in the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas, in April.

The team consisted of 23 students, ranging from grades 6 to 12, who utilized computer science and engineering skills to program and operate robots to perform a range of timed tasks. They competed against student teams from other schools across the state.

“Our goal at the beginning of the year was to qualify a team to compete in the state tournament; so to have made that tournament and qualify for the Worlds is a dream come true,” Springfield High School STEM Club Sponsor and Robotics Team Coach Yvette Hill said.

The VEX Robotics Competition High School Event is scheduled for April 25-27 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

LIVINGSTON PARISH SCHOOLS TO HOST 2023 STEAM EXPO

Livingston Parish Public Schools will host its 2023 STEAM Expo on April 29, giving students and their family members an opportunity to experience and access fun hands-on activities related to science, technology, engineering, art and math.

The event will be held at the Denham Springs High School STEM & Robotics Center, located at 1129 S. Range Avenue in Denham Springs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The goal of STEAM education is to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century by fostering creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. STEAM education helps students to see how these subjects are interconnected and how they can be applied to real-world problems.

Last year’s event attracted nearly 1,000 community members and more than 40 vendor participants.  District organizers anticipate this year’s event to be even larger.

PAY RAISE PROPOSAL ON MARCH 25 BALLOT

A 1-cent sales tax proposal to fund a pay raise for all Livingston Parish Public School employees will be on the March 25, 2023, ballot.  The new tax is projected to raise $24 million each year in recurring revenue, enabling the district to give a 10% across-the-board pay increase, including a minimum of $2,500 per year increase for the district’s lowest paid employees.

The pay increase is needed to allow the district to compete with neighboring school systems. Currently, Livingston Parish Public Schools ranks last in the local region in pay, causing many qualified employees to leave for higher-paying positions elsewhere.

Members of the Livingston Parish Educational Facilities Improvement District (EFID) met last year and voted to seek voter approval of the funding proposal to address the urgent need. The 1-cent sales tax will NOT apply to purchases made on groceries, prescriptions, and gasoline. It is dedicated to paying LPPS salaries and benefits and subject to a 20-year renewal.

Election Day is March 25, 2023, and Early Voting will be held March 11-18. Visit Livingston1Cent.com for more information.

SUMMER SCHOOL DATES AND GUIDELINES ANNOUNCED

The district has announced dates and guidelines for summer remediation courses that will be provided to students, following the results of end-of-year testing and/or course results this school year.  Those programs include:

• 8th Grade Summer Remediation – June 19-23
• High School Summer Remediation – June 19-23 and June 26-29
• 3rd & 4th Grade Summer Boost – July 17-21

Supervisor of Assessment and Accountability Kelly LaBauve said this year’s summer remediation sessions for 8th graders and high school students will be fewer days, but classes will be held for six hours per day; while the session for 3rd and 4th graders will be held later in the summer, and those classes will extend for eight hours per day.

She said summer remediation will be recommended to those 8th graders who do not pass due to pupil progression requirements, and to high school students who need help with improving LEAP assessments that are required for graduation.

The summer boost session will be offered to students in grades 3 and 4 who score below the “core” rating on the state’s DIBELS 8 literacy screening test that is given near the end of the school year.  The session is being provided in response to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (BESE) policy revision; most notably, Bulletin 1566, which addresses students at-risk in developing grade-level literacy skills.

Those students in 4th grade who do not meet pupil progression requirements will also attend the Summer Boost session.

4 NEW MEMBERS, 5 RETURNING MEMBERS MAKE UP SCHOOL BOARD

Livingston Parish School Board members include, from left to right, Katelyn Lockhart Cockerham, Brad Sharp, Jeff Frizell, Bradley Harris, Cecil Harris (president), Steve Link, Jeff Cox (vice president), Dr. Ron McMorris, and Kellee Dickerson.

Those new and returning members of the Livingston Parish School Board took their oath of office on Jan. 5 to begin their term, which runs from 2023 through 2027.

The four new members include Jeff Frizell, District 3, who ran unopposed; Katelyn Lockhart Cockerham, District 7; Dr. Ronald McMorris, District 8; and Stephen Link, District 9. Returning to office are Brad Sharp, District 1; Kellee Dickerson, District 2; Bradley Harris, District 4; Cecil Harris, District 5; and Jeffery Cox, District 6.

The new board members, after taking their oath of office, presided over their first meeting, which included the election of the board president and vice president.  Cecil Harris was elected board president and Cox was named board vice president.  Both votes were unanimous.

DISTRICT TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS ON PAY RAISE PROPOSITION

Livingston Parish school leaders will hold five public meeting in February to provide information and answer questions on the Livingston Parish Education Facilities Improvement District’s (EFID) proposal to utilize a parish-wide 1-cent sales tax to fund much-needed pay raises for all district employees.

The school funding proposition will be on the March 25 ballot, with early voting from March 11-18.

The 1-cent sales tax proposal is projected to raise $24 million each year in recurring revenue, allowing the district to give a 10-percent across-the-board pay raise to employees, or a minimum increase of $2,500 per employee.  The 1-cent sales tax would NOT apply to purchases made on groceries, prescriptions and gasoline, and all funds will be dedicated to paying salaries.

Public meetings on the Livingston 1-Cent Funding Proposition will be held as follows:

• Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Denham Springs High School cafeteria
• Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Live Oak High School cafeteria
• Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Albany High School cafeteria
• Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Springfield High School library
• Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Walker High School gymnasium, in conjunction with the school’s scheduling fair.

For more information on the Livingston 1-Cent Funding Proposition, visit Livingston1cent.com.

SCHOOL BOARD BANS CRITICAL RACE THEORY

One of the last actions taken in December 2022 by the outgoing school board was the passage of a resolution opposing critical race theory and “other race-based training.” The resolution passed without opposition or public comment.

“Pertinent instruction regarding history of racism and inequality in America should not purport to deliberately undermine race groups, student/family values, religious beliefs, or founding principles,” the Livingston Parish School Board resolution says.

The text also underscores that teachers and other adults employed in the district should not engage in any type of academic materials not explicitly approved by the school board, adding that “political activism has no place in the professional development for teachers, administrators, or other employees and likewise has no place in the instruction given to the children entrusted to our care by the parents of this parish.”

“Our action was to ease the minds of many concerned parents,” said Dr. Devin Gregoire, who made the motion to pass the resolution. “It’s more of a preventative measure. We already had been looking to avoid those pitfalls in our curriculum. We just wanted to put something down as policy to alleviate fears from the parents.”

REGISTRATION & APPLICATION PROCESSES FOR KINDERGARTEN & PRE-K STUDENTS ANNOUNCED

Parents who wish to apply for pre-kindergarten for their child in the upcoming school year should visit applytolppsearlychildhood.com to access the application form and upload the required documents.

Required documentation must be submitted electronically during one of three application rounds – (1) Feb. 1 to May 1, (2) May 16 to June 15, or (3) June 20 and beyond. Parents of Pre-K applicants must upload copies of a certified birth certificate, Social Security card, immunization record, parent/guardian ID, proof of residency (utility bills) and proof of income for every adult in the household.

Parents of Pre-K students needing assistance with their application can visit their child’s home-based school on March 30 between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.  Hours for Albany Lower Elementary are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Parents of children who will enter Kindergarten in the upcoming school year and who are not currently enrolled in a Pre-K class in Livingston Parish Public Schools should go to www.lpsb.org and click the “Parent Resources” tab to access the registration form and online portal for uploading documents.  That portal opens on March 6. The documents required to be electronically submitted include a certified birth certificate, Social Security card, immunization records, parent/guardian ID, and proof of residency (utility bills). A child must have turned 5 years old on or before Sept. 30, 2023, to be eligible to register for kindergarten.

Parents of incoming Kindergarten students will be able to visit their child’s home-based school on March 30 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.  Those parents visiting Albany Lower Elementary can visit from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SCHOOL BOARD SUPPORTS RECOMMENDATION TO PUT 1-CENT SALES TAX ON MARCH 2023 BALLOT

The Livingston Parish School Board voted this month to approve the recommendation of the Educational Facilities Improvement District (EFID) to seek voter approval of a 1-cent sales tax to fund pay raises for all employees of Livingston Parish Public Schools. The tax would be subject to voter approval every 20 years.

Board members will request that the Louisiana Secretary of State put the ballot proposition on the March 25, 2023, election ballot.

The 1-cent parish-wide sales tax will be exempt on groceries, prescriptions, and gasoline. It is estimated to bring in $24 million annually, which will enable the school system to give its employees a much needed 10-percent pay raise or a minimum $2,500 annual increase.

The proposed pay increase will allow the Livingston Parish School System to better compete for qualified personnel and to retain its best teachers and instructional staff who have become highly targeted recruits by neighboring school systems.

Currently Livingston Parish Schools ranks dead last (out of six local districts) in pay for beginning teachers, and remains near the bottom, fifth out of six, for pay for teachers with 25 years of experience. The six neighboring districts include Ascension Parish, Central Community Schools, East Baton Rouge Parish, Livingston Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, and Zachary Community Schools.

“We have looked at the books, and we’ve compared the salaries our school system currently pays to what’s being paid in neighboring school districts, and it’s clear – we’re fighting a losing battle right now,” said EFID Board Chairman Thomas “Bruiser” Bryson of Springfield, a retired SFC U.S. Army.

EFID Board Member Kayla Johnson, a realtor in Denham Springs, said, “Our entire parish economy is built on the backs of our school system employees.”

“If our school system continues to lose people and continues to decline, then our parish will become very stagnant and begin losing many of the amenities we have gained over the years – that would mean a loss in retail options, fewer restaurants, less medical resources, and fewer jobs in our communities,” Johnson said.  “What we’re talking about is bigger than just paying teachers!”

LIVINGSTON SCHOOLS SLIP IN STATE RANKINGS, DISTRICT PERFORMANCE SCORE REMAINS STATIC

Livingston Parish Public Schools’ academic performance remained static with the district’s pre-COVID scores, according to this year’s state accountability report; however, that performance fell short of the state’s top-ten ranking, unlike past comparisons.

According to the Louisiana Department of Education’s 2022 report, which was released last month, Livingston Schools received an 88.5 District Performance Score (DPS), which is equal to the score awarded in 2019; but that score, which was worthy of a top-ten ranking in 2019, now received the state’s 11th best position.

Superintendent Joe Murphy said a breakdown of the data shows the district’s performance is being challenged in those areas where the district is experiencing staffing recruitment and retention issues as evidenced by the national, state, and local crisis in the teaching profession.

“First, let me say that for our district to hold student performance steady for the past two years through the pandemic and major storms, like Hurricane Ida, is a testament to all our employees and their dedication to our children. But the fact that we have not grown our overall score, and we are seeing a fall in our assessment scores, is evidence of the crisis we are facing,” Murphy said. “We must make every effort to recruit and retain the very best and brightest educational minds.”

SCHOOL LEADERS CUT RIBBON ON NEW DSHS ATHLETIC FACILITIES

Participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony in DSHS Yellow Jacket Stadium, from left to right, were: Superintendent Joe Murphy; Jamie Seal of Quality Engineering; Jennifer Curtis and Joe Staffioto of Coleman Partners Architects; Assistant Supt. Jody Purvis; State Rep. Buddy Mincey, Jr.; School Board Member Brad Harris; DSHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Bret Beard; School Board Member Jan Benton; District Maintenance Director Jerry Glascock; Blake Panepinto of Stuart Construction; Rev. Lynn Ridrique, pastor of Northside Baptist Church; School Board President Cecil Harris; Dwayne Mizell of Stuart Construction; Nicole Ridrique of Northside Baptist Church; Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry, DSHS Track & Field Coach Andy McLean; and DSHS Principal Wes Howard.

Livingston Parish school leaders held a ribbon cutting ceremony on the 50-yard line of the newly renovated Yellow Jacket Stadium field, prior to the start of a LHSAA Division 5A Playoff game, to formally celebrate the completion of the new athletic facilities on the Denham Springs High School campus.

Livingston Parish School Board President Cecil Harris recognized those individuals and organizations that participated in the planning, design, and construction of the various projects, including Coleman Partners Architects, Stuart Construction, Quality Engineering, Northside Baptist Church, City of Denham Springs and the DSHS and LPPS administrators, athletic and maintenance staff. He also thanked voters in Denham Springs who approved the April 2021 ballot request to extend an existing 8.64 mills to pay for the $13 million in improvements.

The completed construction projects include the resurfacing and realignment of Yellow Jacket Stadium, improved parking, a new stadium entry, a new track and field events facility, a new field house, expanded weight rooms, a new marching band practice area, and the addition of baseball and softball complexes on site.

LOCAL ROTC STUDENTS ASSIST IN PURPLE HEART CITY DECLARATIONS

Walker city leaders, veterans, active military personnel, and ROTC cadets pose for a picture after the Walker City Council approved a proclamation declaring the city as a Purple Heart City during its meeting in September. Picture provided by Livingston Parish News.

Denham Springs city leaders, veterans, active military personnel and ROTC cadets pose for a picture after the Denham Springs City Council approved a proclamation declaring the city as a Purple Heart City during its meeting in August. Picture provided by Livingston Parish News.

ROTC cadets from Denham Springs High School and Walker High School recently assisted local leaders in their respective cities in performing ceremonies that declared both Denham Springs and Walker to be “Purple Heart Cities.” The declarations recognized those military service personnel who sacrificed to defend the nation’s freedom.

The Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded in the name of the president to those wounded or killed while serving with the military. It evolved from the Badge of Military Merit and was created by General George Washington in 1782.  More than 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been presented to service members, according to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

For a city to be declared a “Purple Heart City,” a mayor or city council must deliver an official proclamation, which is presented to the local chapter of the military order of the Purple Heart.  The City of Denham Springs became the sixth Purple Heart City in the state in August, followed by the City of Walker, which became the seventh in September.