BESE recognizes community service endorsement recipients and names Plaquemines Parish as Models of Excellence honoree

The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) used part of its March meeting to recognize schools and districts for student and system achievements.

Under item 3.1 the board recognized systems with the largest numbers of community service diploma endorsements — awarded to students who completed at least 80 community service hours in grades 9–12 — and invited representatives from Edna Carr High School, Jefferson Parish Schools and The Willow School forward for photos.

At item 3.2 State Superintendent Dr. Brumley presented the department’s Models of Excellence award to Plaquemines Parish School System for its implementation of the freedom framework for history and civic standards and for investing in teacher training and fidelity to curriculum. "On their high school civics exam, they had roughly 75 percent of their students at mastery," Dr. Brumley said, framing the award as recognition of both leadership and measurable student performance.

Plaquemines Superintendent Shelly Ritz accepted the recognition and thanked department staff for visiting schools and honoring students and teachers. Board members commended the district’s leadership and the department team that supported site visits and recognition events.

Why it matters: The recognitions highlight local districts and schools as models for implementing statewide standards; the Plaquemines award was tied directly to measures of student civics mastery and investments in teacher professional development.

What’s next: The awards included public recognition and photos; no formal policy action accompanied the honors.