BESE recognizes scholarship honorees, Purple Star schools and inaugural alternate leadership boot‑camp completers

The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on April 9 formally recognized students, schools and new school leadership candidates in separate agenda items.

Ernie Singleton, assistant superintendent at the Louisiana Department of Education, introduced the United States Senate Youth Program honorees. Singleton said Louisiana sent two student delegates to Washington Week in March 2025 and named Neil Tandon of Jefferson Parish School District (not present) and Emily Jane Nevills of Winn Parish as delegates; two alternates were also chosen. The board made the recognition by motion before inviting honorees for a photo.

The board also recognized 41 Purple Star Schools — a program that honors schools that commit to serving military‑connected students. Singleton said the department created a web page with Interstate Compact resources for military families and listed schools across multiple parishes that received purple star designations between September 2024 and March 2025. Senator Milligan, who carried the bill designating Purple Star Schools, attended the meeting and was thanked by the superintendent.

In a separate presentation, Arthur Jofreon (LDOE) introduced 16 participants who completed the department’s inaugural Education Leader (EDL) alternate pathway boot camp. Jofreon said the pathway is designed for individuals with MBAs, MPAs, JDs or honorably discharged commissioned officers at grade‑3 or higher who seek to enter school leadership. The department hosted the boot camp in January with LDOE mentors assigned; Jofreon listed each participant and their LDOE mentor and invited them for a group photo. Superintendent Brumley encouraged the cohort to “teach kids to read and do math” and urged a focus on foundational instruction.

These recognitions were presented as noncontroversial agenda items and were approved by motion on the consent/recognition calendar during the meeting.