In Lincoln Parish we continue to focus on education excellence through dedicated and caring personnel, motivated students, involved parents, and a supportive community.  We believe that all students are capable of learning, and we will continue to work with them in order that they may reach their fullest potential. 
 

       We are now entering the 2007-08 school year, and I am excited about the opportunities that await our students.  Some great times are ahead for public education in this district. 

       Partnerships are currently being reviewed and established with our two local universities with the first being finalized with Louisiana Tech.  Due to the close proximity of Ruston High School with this university, an Engineering Academy (STEM Satellite) and an Arts Academy (Creative Conservatory) will be established on the campus of our flagship public school.  Both are being developed around a magnet concept that will continue to evolve within this, our largest high school.

      Classes for the science and arts magnets will be held at Ruston High School; however, there will be times that students will be transported to Louisiana Tech for laboratory and research experiences.  Louisiana Tech teachers will be contracted as instructors, but will partner with a certified and highly qualified public school teacher at Ruston High School.  This teacher will coordinate, assist, and team-teach with the university personnel in order to provide extensive and productive direction for the students involved.

      Through this dynamic partnership, courses will be offered in which students will receive dual and/or Carnegie credits in an effort to motivate the students toward visionary careers.  Currently, primary consideration is being given to what Louisiana Tech is doing and being recognized for in engineering at both the state and national level.  Building upon the recognition and excellence achieved by Louisiana Tech, we are hoping to join them in bringing this community to a higher level of educational quality through a partnership with their state-of-the-art ventures. 

      As a result, we hope to attract and encourage some of the best and brightest parish students to take advantage of the unique courses being designed.  We anticipate that these outstanding teachers will develop a rigorous repertoire of electives that in turn guide students to majors in higher education that will likely result in lucrative careers.

      This partnership is just a beginning; our plan is to do well with what is being currently developed and then move forward with additional course offerings next year.  Within this collaboration is a desire that these efforts will move public education forward while serving as a catalyst that will support economic growth for our Lincoln Parish community and North Louisiana for many years to come. 

      Substantial completion of several Ruston District projects will occur within the next several months.  The renovations at I.A. Lewis, Lincoln Center, and the Lincoln Parish Career Academy should end prior to the start of this school year with work continuing for some time at Glen View Elementary, Ruston Elementary, and Ruston Jr. High School.

     The first phase of work on the Ruston High School project began this summer with extensive work in the main offices and front hallway.  Also, significant electrical and mechanical work has been done over the summer as well as extensive demolition in the basement area under the old gym.  Ruston High will have thirteen classes housed in portable classrooms to the north of the home economics building at the start of school this year and will remain until all renovations have been completed.

    The Simsboro School District construction and renovation project is wrapping up with an expected completion date in early August.  The large new six classroom building located north of the existing school has almost reached completion.  The students and staff at Simsboro High School can look forward to learning and working in an outstanding facility this coming year.

     We are fortunate to have had the support of the Ruston and Simsboro communities as evidence by the passage of these tax propositions for school renovation and construction.  I would like to encourage everyone to stop by these schools and observe the good things that these tax dollars have provided the schools in these two districts.

      Also through Project ACHIEVE (see link on website), our public schools will continue to move forward with a high expectation of excellence and student academic achievement through strong community partnerships.  One such partnership being launched this fall offers a chance for area citizens to participate a community-wide emphasis that addresses early childhood reading.  I hope that many within our community will consider getting involved by volunteering with the North Central Alliance Partners in Prevention Community Coalition as they work with us in helping children learn to read.  If you have questions as to how you may help, please contact the NCAPIP Office at (318) 257-5467 or visit their web site at www.partnersnprevention.com 

      Our public schools are poised for great things in the days to come.  We urge you to be a part of the excitement growing within Lincoln Parish Schools.  The time is now—come join us and get involved throughout the year!