City school year opens with personnel moves

Louise Smith has been on the job as superintendent of Bogalusa City Schools for just a couple of weeks, but there are already changes being made.

On Friday, Smith announced a series of campus leadership changes that will become effective Monday.

BCS Supt. Louise Smith

In a letter to school district employees, Smith said, “Today, the District is announcing an important series of administrative changes that will help us build a more effective culture and accountability in our schools.  These changes, which will be effective as of August 1, 2011, are designed to improve student achievement and better leverage the strengths of our skilled staff members.”

The changes include:

            • Pamela Ard, the current Principal of Bogalusa High School, will take over as Principal of Byrd Avenue Elementary.  Ms. Ard’s wealth of knowledge in elementary curriculum and instruction, as well as her experience in our district at the elementary level makes her an excellent fit.  Ms. Ard is excited to have the opportunity to work with our Byrd Avenue Elementary students, parents, and staff.

            • Taking over as Principal at Bogalusa High School will be Bryan Stewart, recently appointed Principal of Bogalusa New Tech High School.  Mr. Stewart joined the District with an impressive resume, and he rapidly earned the confidence and respect of the Bogalusa High School students, staff, and parents alike through his position as Assistant Principal.  I’m confident Mr. Stewart will evoke the same response in his role as BHS Principal.

            • Lesley McKinley was appointed Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Bogalusa High School.  Mr. McKinley is a long-time district employee who has extensive secondary experience from his tenure as Bogalusa High School Disciplinarian and Bogalusa New Tech High School Resource Teacher. Mr. McKinley is eager to work with the students, faculty, and staff of Bogalusa High School, and he will be a tremendous asset to the school.

            • Don McDaniel, the current Principal of Bogalusa Middle School, will become the Principal of Bogalusa New Tech High School.  Mr. McDaniel’s long-term experience in education and dedication to faculty and students will enhance his effectiveness at BNTHS.

            • Taking over as Principal at Bogalusa Middle School, will be Tanja Varnado-Seal, current Principal of Byrd Avenue Elementary School.  Mrs. Seal’s extensive experience in curriculum and instruction, dedication to student success, and her history of making a major impact on student achievement by launching new and imaginative school programs makes her a perfect fit for BMS.

Smith also said, “Since the day I arrived in Bogalusa City Schools, I have been privileged to work with a skilled team of educational leaders.  The tremendous depth of experience and skill in the District is what makes me completely confident these moves, while extensive, will happen smoothly.  I believe these administrative changes will move our District forward and make a significant difference in student outcomes.”

(Published first at http://www.wpnewsblog.blogspot.com)