Q&A: Superintendent of schools shares what students and faculty can look forward to this school year

With the 2017-2018 school year on the horizon, Darwan Lazard prepares to begin his first full year as Superintendant of Education for Evangeline Parish. He recently shared his vision and goals for the upcoming school year.
Question: What are you most excited for this school year?
Answer: I am very excited about the new learning opportunities for students in the schools of Evangeline Parish that will be obtainable this school year. We will be offering French Immersion classes at Mamou Elementary and Ville Platte Elementary, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) at Chataignier Elementary, the ChromeBook Computer Pilot Program at Vidrine Elementary, and the LSU-E Academy Program at our four high schools that will allow students to graduate with Associates’ Degrees (60 hours of free college credit).
Q: What can students and faculty look forward to this school year?
A: Throughout the Evangeline Parish School District, our students and faculty will be exposed to more technology oriented initiatives, which are designed to make teaching easier and learning more fun. Teachers, staff members, and students will be exposed to a new Google driven email system, a new teacher training & technology lab facility, and more chrome book computers on each campus. Also, we will begin our school year on Tuesday, August 8, with a general assembly for every employee assigned to each campus. This district-wide assembly will occur in two rotations at the Ville Platte High auditorium. We are especially excited at the prospect of having all employees (principals, teachers, other certificated staff, and support workers) participate, since it really does take all employees to make our school system successful.
Q: Are there any major changes happening at any particular school? If so, what are those changes and how do you feel they will impact the district?
A: In addition to the new programs I’ve mentioned thus far, we will have two new principals in our school district. One of the new principals, Ms. Melanie Miller, is already in place at Ville Platte High School, and we anticipate a second person will be in place soon.
Q: What goals have you set for the district schools to reach this school year and how do you intend to help the schools reach those goals?
A: My vision is to create a first rate school district that provides multiple pathways for students to be successful. As a result, with the incorporation of increased technology in instruction, and the other initiatives I’ve mentioned, we will provide materials and innovative instructional resources for our principals and teachers to be effective. We will offer ongoing training and follow-up activities throughout the school year. Parents, family, and the community members will actively engage in student learning.
Q: What advice do you have for parents to help their children succeed this school year?
A: I strongly encourage parents, families, and caregivers to communicate regularly with children’s teachers and principals in an effort to seek ways for students to realize their maximum potential. They are invited to participate in parent night activities, attend open house events, visit classrooms, and volunteer services in our schools, whenever possible. They should make use of the district’s online student data base called Web-Pams, which gives up-to-date information about children’s grades, attendance, and conduct. All stakeholders are encouraged to visit our updated, user friendly district website at www.epsb.com.
Q: What advice can you give your faculty and staff when it comes to preparing for this upcoming school year?
A: Teachers, para-educators, and staff members are encouraged to form a united force with families to bring success to students’ performance. They can provide timely notices and establish positive, two-way communications through emails, telephone calls, and parent-teacher-student conferences. School personnel should provide multiple opportunities for parents to be fully informed of students’ strengths, weaknesses, and ever-changing needs. School employees should strive to empower students to succeed.
Q: As the Superintendent of Schools in Evangeline Parish what do you intend to do to ensure the success of the students in the district?
A: As Superintendent, I will work with our principals and supervisors to provide training and proven tools/techniques to our instructional personnel. I will work enthusiastically with members of our local school board to equip our teachers with available resources that will increase student learning and achievement. My staff and I will work diligently to increase parent and stakeholder involvement, as well as, increase community trust. I will continue to make my staff and myself available to address the concerns of all who have the best interest of Evangeline Parish’s children at heart.