Reflections on 2013
 
Taking a step back into 2013, the St. Martin Parish School System remained resilient despite the numerous changes it encountered.  With the announcement of a number of retirements in key administrative positions, the St. Martin Parish Public School System  welcomed a new superintendent of schools, a chief financial officer, a supervisor of organizational structures, a combined position consisting of human resources and operations, and approximately 8 administrative positions inclusive of principal and assistant principal.  Additionally, there were numerous retirements among all employee groups.  Many employees spent a number of years providing services to the students of St. Martin Parish. These individuals devoted many years of service to a noble profession--education. Many are now engaged  in creating new memories outside of the education arena. 
 
The St. Martin Parish School System also mourned the loss of several employees and students in 2013. We continue to cherish the memories of these individuals who were a part of our educational family. 
 
On a lighter note, Dr. Daniel Rawls, Stephensville Elementary Principal, aspired to the role of superintendent of schools in Webster Parish.  He was selected to lead the Webster Parish School System and we extend our best wishes for success in his new role.  With his departure from the St. Martin Parish School System, it was necessary to select a new administrator for Stephensville Elementary School.  Mr. Bryan Staton was selected as the new leader.  His selection as principal created an assistant principal vacancy at St. Martinville Jr. High.  Mr. Devin Baltazar was selected to serve as an interim assistant principal at St. Martinville Jr. High.  Ms. Shirley Thibodeaux, Parks Middle Assistant Principal, was transferred to JCEP/PAC.  Mrs. Cheryl Mitchell will serve as the Interim Parks Middle Assistant Principal. 
 
Moving Forward into 2014, I ask for continued support as we strive for educational excellence. On January 6, we picked up where we left off prior to the holidays.  School improvement will continue to be the primary focus with continued support site team visits scheduled for all Parish schools and immediate feedback provided to each. Realizing the challenges presented to all education stakeholders,  I appreciate the efforts made towards compliance with education reform initiatives.  Many of you have accepted the challenges despite the time constraints that limited effective implementation.  I recognize the extra work necessitated by Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Despite the concerns communicated by so many in the education arena, you are to be commended for your professionalism and willingness to positively impact student outcomes. We will continue to provide support and assistance to ensure quality teaching exists  in every classroom.  COMPASS, the teacher evaluation program,  will remain with a temporary reprieve for an estimated thirty-three percent of the teacher population in Louisiana. In December, members of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved policies that would "suspend" the value-added component (VAM) of COMPASS for a two year period including the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years.
 
On January 14, 2014, BESE will be asked to consider a proposal regarding an external review of the value-added component of COMPASS.  VAM compensation will also be suspended during this two year period.  COMPASS remains in place with emphasis on student learning targets for classroom teachers and leader observation results. 
 
Common Core standards remain in effect with anticipated guidance from the Louisiana Department of Education.  There is an expected increase in the Teacher Leader Program with an additional 2000 teachers and district administrators  added to the Teacher Leader Cadre allowing for a total of 4000.   Policy changes have been made relative to the high stakes tests (LEAP) at the 4th and 8th grade levels.  School systems have been encouraged to modify their local pupil progression plans to accommodate the policy revisions. Recent communication from the Louisiana Department of Education staff indicates guidance will arrive in mid April or early May relating to any pupil progression revisions. 
 
Moving forward, the challenges remain. Again, the ultimate goal for the St. Martin School System is to positively impact student learning.  We must remember--- Together We CAN!