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Superintendent reports project timelines and top state literacy rankings for DeSoto Parish
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Sims reported construction and facility updates, described an NDLE HVAC failure and interim cooling solutions, and highlighted strong student performance — including K–3 literacy results he said place the district at or near the top statewide and top-10 LEAP performance and growth recognition.
Dr. Sims opened his superintendent comments by walking the board through active capital projects: Logansport High School is in closeout with only punch-list items remaining; the North Dakota campus classroom wing is slated for September completion and an additional wing for November; and turf and softball concrete work at Northside High are under way with an estimated field completion target of Oct. 1.
On facilities, Dr. Sims said the main air handler at NDLE operated at less than 40% capacity and later failed; the district has deployed portable cooling units and a rented external unit to feed existing ductwork while a permanent repair is scheduled around the Labor Day weekend. He praised maintenance and operations staff and contractors for quick response.
Dr. Sims emphasized academic progress: the district’s K–3 literacy results were described as a point of pride with “80 plus percent of our students reading on or above grade level,” and he said the district was one of only two in the state recognized among the top 10 for both LEAP performance (mastery plus) and growth. “We were 1 of only 2 school districts to be recognized on both lists as a top 10 district in LEAP performance, mastery plus, and a top 10 growth district,” he said.
He thanked the convocation team and praised the district’s operations-lead cohort for supporting leaders and opening the school year with energy and planning. Dr. Sims closed with several light-hearted anecdotes from the first day of school and expressed appreciation for board support and staff efforts.
