MARKSVILLE, La.— Local and state education leaders from across Louisiana have congregated in Marksville. For the next few days they will be meeting to explore solutions to some of the state’s most challenging education issues, as well as the state’s application for the nearly $5 billion Race to the Top (RTTT) grant. The event, the Louisiana Superintendents’ Retreat, is hosted by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE).
Among those attending the retreat are several members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), nearly all of the state’s 70 local superintendents, 15 charter school leaders, State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek, Deputy State Superintendent of Education Ollie Tyler and other members of LDOE’s leadership team. The retreat, which began Sunday evening, will feature state and national presenters, including Michael Contompasis, a senior field consultant for the Mass Insight Group; Kati Haycock, president of The Education Trust; and Times-Picayune Columnist Jarvis DeBerry. In addition, during breakout sessions, Louisiana superintendents and schools leaders will present and discuss effective strategies for transforming low-performing schools, improving graduation rates and raising student achievement.
“We are extremely pleased by the strong participation. As we seek to share best practices and identify resources from across the country, across district lines and even between traditional and charter providers, there is tremendous value in bringing these leaders together,” State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek said. “The Department has proposed recommendations for some of the state’s most difficult obstacles, as well as Race to the Top, and there has been some anxiety expressed about some of our proposals. This retreat is just one of the ways we are inviting others in the education community to share their own recommendations for transforming low performing schools and other critical issues. Over the next few months we are going to continue meeting with individuals and groups to hear their proposed solutions.”
This is the second year the Department has hosted the Superintendents’ Retreat. The purpose of the event is to update school leaders on statewide initiatives and expose educators to tools and resources that will help improve academic outcomes for students.
“This is an extraordinary time for education in Louisiana, and no doubt, plans and solutions that we derive together will be more effective,” Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Keith Guice said. “My hope is that the exchange that takes place during this meeting will foster understanding and will forward local and statewide objectives.”
Retreat Agenda and Resources
# # # # # # # # # # # #
