Q&A: New VPHS principal shares her hopes for the school year

Melanie Miller was hired during the summer to become the new principal of Ville Platte High School. She recently shared some highlights in her career as an educator as well as what her goals are for the upcoming school year.
Question: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and career accomplishments thus far?
Answer: I am originally from Lebeau, La. I am a mother of four and a grandmother of two. I graduated of North Central High School. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Performance from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. I then received my Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Southern University in Baton Rouge and am currently a Doctoral Student in Educational Leadership at Grand Canyon University.
I taught at Beau Chene High School for 10 years from 2006 to 2016. I spent five of those years as Assistant Principal Curriculum/ Discipline. While there I worked closely with the central office staff to improve Math and English scores and worked directly with Pupil Appraisal to improve graduation rates. I was also acting Principal of Beau Chene High School during the principal’s absence, and I spent 10 years as the head girls’ basketball coach Beau Chene High. I was Louisiana Coach of the Year for Class 4A, and my teams won several district and parish championships
I then became the principal of Washington Elementary School from 2016-2017. Test scores during my time there that were released in June 2017 showed growth.
Q: Are you excited to be the head principal at Ville Platte High School and why?
A: I am extremely excited to be back at the high school level and I have always admired the support that the community gives to Ville Platte High. I look forward to working with the students, staff, and community to make Ville Platte High the “Epitome of Academic Excellence.”
Q: What is the most enjoyable part of your job as an administrator in the education system?
A: The most enjoyable part of my job as administrator is empowering my staff to ensure that ALL students reach their maximum potential.
Q: What can your students look forward to in this upcoming school year?
A: My students can look forward to a principal that will not only relate to them but motivate them. I believe students learn more from who you are rather than what you teach. I will keep them goal oriented, positive, and lead by example. I always expect the best and my students will learn not to settle for anything but being the best they can be.
Q: What can your faculty look forward to in this upcoming school year?
A: My faculty can look forward to a leader that works hard and leads from the front. My success will not come from my power but from my ability to empower my staff.
Q: Are there any major changes you hope to implement at VPHS?
A: I will implement honors classes which will begin the student’s freshman year, we will offer more edgenuity classes, and of course I am extremely excited about the partnership with LSU-E which I know will increase not only the amount of students earning college credit but the enrollment at Ville Platte High.
Q: What goals have you set for VPHS to reach this school year and how do you intend to reach those goals?
A: My goals are to continue the progress Mrs. Kelli Lafleur started in improving academic achievement at Ville Platte High and to ultimately receive a letter grade of A from the Louisiana Department of Education. To do that we will work hard to ensure that every student is given the necessary resources, appropriate instruction, and constant motivation to succeed.