Acadia Parish consultants present strategic-plan findings; board presses for faster classroom results

Consultants engaged to lead Acadia Parish’s strategic-planning process presented results to the school board, saying the review relied on classroom observations, focus groups and surveys that drew more than 1,300 responses. The team told the board the district has strengths — visible central-office leadership, broad adoption of high-quality instructional materials and strong community connections — but also faces persistent challenges in student achievement, classroom execution and attendance.

The consultants said observations covered 10 schools and more than 50 classrooms and that survey responses included about 600 families, 400 staff and 300 students. They reported districtwide outcomes that concern board and staff: roughly two out of three students did not achieve mastery in math and about one in two did not meet ELA mastery levels in last year’s data. In classroom visits, consultants said teachers generally had curriculum materials but that less than half of observed classrooms met grade-level rigor.

The consulting team outlined four priorities to guide the district over the next five years: (1) clear, responsive district direction and measurable goals; (2) excellent instruction every day through coaching and professional development; (3) stronger student–staff connections and improved attendance and school climate; and (4) building operational foundations including teacher recruitment and retention and improved communications. The consultants said most substantive work will occur in years one through three, with years four and five focused on monitoring and iteration.

Board members pressed presenters and Superintendent Hall about how quickly results will show in classrooms. Board member Milton said he welcomed the review but remained skeptical about plans that remain largely on paper, saying, “Papers don’t impress me at all.” Other members and staff emphasized that several initiatives — principal coaching, job-embedded professional development and targeted supports for diverse learners and special-education students — are slated to begin immediately, with specific initiatives designed in February and launch dates timed for the next school year.

Superintendent Hall and the consulting team said they will provide annual metrics and more detailed action plans for the board’s review. The consultants also noted the district received a $100,000 grant to support the planning phase through February and that the district intends to apply for additional state funding to support implementation.