06/13/2026
As our school district begins the difficult process of addressing its financial challenges, I want to share my support for the sentiments expressed by fellow board members and district leaders. The reality before us is painful, and there is no denying that the decisions ahead will affect students, families, employees, and entire communities.
Like many others, I feel a deep sense of regret that we have reached this point. Our schools are more than buildings; they are places where children learn, where educators dedicate their lives to service, and where communities gather and take pride. Any discussion of closures, consolidations, or reductions carries a real human impact that cannot and should not be ignored.
At the same time, I recognize that leadership requires us to face difficult realities honestly. We have a responsibility to acknowledge the financial circumstances confronting our district and to make decisions based on facts, data, and the long-term sustainability of public education in St. Landry Parish. While there may be disagreement about how we arrived here, our focus now must be on how we move forward together.
I share the belief that these decisions are not about choosing winners and losers among communities. They are about preserving the ability of our district to continue serving students for years to come. None of the available options are perfect, and it is understandable that many people are frustrated, worried, or even angry. Those emotions are valid because the stakes are so high.
I also believe it is important for us to take responsibility where responsibility is due. As leaders, we must listen carefully, communicate openly, and remain accountable to the people we serve. We owe our communities transparency, honesty, and a commitment to making decisions that put students first.
Yet alongside the regret and concern, I also feel hope.
I believe that this moment, as difficult as it is, can become an opportunity to build a stronger and more sustainable future for our district. If we approach these challenges with courage, collaboration, and a shared commitment to our children, we can create a school system that is better positioned to succeed than many of us may have imagined possible. The changes ahead will not be easy, but they can lay the foundation for greater stability, stronger educational opportunities, and renewed confidence in our schools.
I remain committed to listening to stakeholders, advocating for students and families, and working with my fellow board members to find the best possible path forward. We may not all agree on every decision, but I hope we can agree that our children deserve a district that is financially sound, academically strong, and prepared for the future.
I ask for patience, understanding, and continued engagement from our communities as this process unfolds. Most importantly, I ask that we keep our focus on what unites us: a desire to provide the best possible opportunities for every child in St. Landry Parish.
The road ahead will be challenging, but I remain optimistic that by working together, we can emerge from this period stronger, more focused, and better equipped to serve future generations.
