The Natchitoches Parish School Board’s April 8 meeting was filled with celebration, recognition, and key district updates, as board members and community leaders came together to honor volunteers, student-athletes, and academic achievers, while also addressing pressing matters related to early childhood enrollment, third-grade promotion, and summer school planning.
Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi opened the meeting with a brief report, sharing results from the recent community survey the district conducted regarding a potential name change for Natchitoches Junior High. “We did our due diligence,” he said. “The results were overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the current name.” Based on the strong public sentiment, the board will take no further action on the matter.
The board then recognized a group of unsung heroes: the district’s first cohort of Foster Grandparents. A joint initiative between NPSB and the Office of Community Services, the program began last year and now includes seven foster grandmothers stationed at Weaver Elementary and L.P. Vaughn, with another set to begin soon.
Ramona Wynder, who helped launch the initiative, praised the volunteers for their compassion and support in the classroom.
“They are the extra hands teachers need and provide the love and attention our children thrive on,” she said.
Certificates of recognition were presented to:
Barbara Helaire – Weaver Elementary
Veoria Neal – L.P. Vaughn
Brenda Pack – Weaver Elementary
Sheila Lodridge – Weaver Elementary
Sheila Pier – Weaver Elementary
Barbara Samuel – Weaver Elementary
Sandra Patterson – L.P. Vaughn
Program Director Sharon Harris and recruiter Rodney were also recognized for their leadership. Rodney, in particular, was praised for his recruitment efforts, as Wynder humorously reiterated her challenge to him to find the district’s first foster grandfather.
Pride filled the room as Coach Dewaskie Fuller and the Lakeview High Lady Gators basketball team were celebrated for capturing the school’s first-ever girls’ basketball state title.
“They’ve been chasing it for a while, but they finally brought it home,” said Dr. Eloi, who jokingly credited the win to his decision to skip the final game out of superstition.
Coach Fuller, recently named Coach of the Year, praised his team’s determination through adversity. “It took a special group, and that’s exactly what we had,” he said. Although some team members were absent due to a softball game, those in attendance received their official LHSAA State Championship medals amid applause and a commemorative group photo.
Natchitoches Central High senior Gabrielle Eence was also spotlighted for her selection as one of Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Young Heroes. Gabrielle will attend Northwestern State University after graduation. She will receive her formal award at the May board meeting.
Maintenance Supervisor Shirley reported ongoing HVAC repairs across the district, particularly in school kitchens, and shared that two tons of rubber mulch is en route for playground upgrades. He also flagged aging equipment such as jungle gyms and tricycles that may pose safety risks in warmer months.
Director of Federal Programs Sarah Rachal announced that pre-K enrollment had risen notably, with 103 applications already submitted—96 of them completed—compared to 93 at the same time last year.
Instructional leaders provided an in-depth explanation of the state’s Act 422, which prohibits third graders scoring “well below” on the literacy screener from advancing to fourth grade without meeting specific exemption criteria or completing intensive summer intervention.
Students have three opportunities to pass the screener, with summer school scheduled from June 2–18 for those requiring additional support. Classes will run three hours daily and focus on literacy intervention. Promotion to fourth grade will depend on final assessment scores or valid exemption qualifications.
Summer school will be held at campuses not impacted by school consolidations: Natchitoches Central High, L.P. Vaughn, M.R. Weaver, and the Natchitoches Parish Technical and Career Center.
The board approved a motion to waive reversionary interest in the historic MLK Head Start building, clearing the way for the Louisiana Division of Administration to appraise and eventually sell the property. The move severs any legal ties the district holds, opening doors for future development and rehabilitation.