The Natchitoches Parish School Board is proud to announce the graduation of its first-ever LEADS Leadership Academy cohort, marking a major milestone in the district’s commitment to cultivating strong, effective school leadership.

Launched during the 2023–2024 school year, the LEADS Leadership Academy was designed to develop future school and district leaders through a rigorous two-year program that included leadership training, job shadowing, and real-world assignments—all aligned with national leadership standards.

Eight outstanding educators successfully completed the program, demonstrating dedication, growth, and a shared goal of building stronger schools through visionary leadership.

LEADS Academy graduates, pictured left to right, are:
Kathy Noel (Academy Leader), Jaime Gilmore, Chase Stepp, Antavious Roberson, Davin White, Brian Williams, Latonzia Beavers, Andrea Penrod, Robert Carnline, and Ben LaGrone (Academy Leader).

The School Board also extended a special thank-you to Academy Leaders Ben LaGrone and Kathy Noel for their guidance and mentorship throughout the journey.

This first graduating class represents the future of educational leadership in Natchitoches Parish—where strong leaders truly do mean strong schools. Congratulations to all!