APSBulletin - November 2024
SCHOOL BOARD
Honoray Lewis, Ward 1
Lee Meyer Jr, Ward 2
Andrea Barras, Ward 3
Electa Fletcher-Mickens, Ward 4
Joshua Hebert, Ward 5
Daniel Washington, Ward 6
Bambi Hood, Ward 7
Jessica Ourso, Ward 8
Doris Dugas, Ward 9
CALENDAR
Oct. 8 -- First Nine-Weeks Report Cards Issued
Oct. 26 -- ACT offered to students
Nov. 5 -- Election Day -- No Classes
Nov. 6 -- Teacher Professional Development -- No Classes
Nov. 25-29 -- Thanksgiving Holiday -- No Classes
Dec. 23-Jan. 2 -- Christmas & New Year's Holidays -- No Classes
Jan. 3 -- Teacher Professional Development -- No Classes
Jan. 8 -- Second Nine-Weeks Report Cards Issued
Labadieville Primary Student Bria Parker has won the Seeds to Success art contest at her school to advance to the state competition with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture.
Parker’s entry, which features a colorful cow, rows of vegetables and a red barn, will be submitted to the state to be in consideration for use for the 2025 Louisiana Farm to School Calendar. The art program spotlights the importance of local food from seed to plate.
Assumption Parish Schools Improves Performance Score for Second Consecutive Year
Students in Assumption Parish Schools have improved their overall academic performance for the third straight year, according to the latest accountability report issued by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE).
The report shows the district has increased its overall score to 81.8, up 1.2 points from last year’s score of 80.6, and up more than 3 points from the previous year’s score of 78.7. The sustained academic growth has also allowed the district to maintain a “B” Rating with the state.
“We are certainly pleased with the continuous improvements we are seeing across our district. This upward trend is seen in several measurement categories at our high school and K-8 levels,” said Superintendent Dr. John Barthelemy.
Some of the district’s greatest gains came in the high school assessment index and progress index, as well as high school graduation rates and strength of diploma categories. Assumption Parish Schools holds an “A” Rating for its graduation rates and strength of diploma. At the same time, the district saw tremendous gains in its K8 interest and opportunities index, growing from 114.6 points to 140.2 points in that category.
“Our teachers and staff are doing the day-to-day work to move our district forward. We will continue to invest in them to strengthen our instruction at every level,” Barthelemy said.
“It is our goal to learn from this latest report to find ways to continue our progress,” he added. “We are committed to investing our resources in such a way that every dollar makes a positive impact on our children.”
Voting Dates Approaching for School Funding Renewals
Voters in Assumption Parish will vote on the renewal of three critical school funding propositions on the Dec. 7 ballot. Early voting for the election is Nov. 22-30.
The renewals are NOT new taxes and a vote YES for the three property assessment renewals will not increase what taxpayers in Assumption Parish currently pay each year.
A breakdown of the 2024-2025 budget shows that 80% of all revenues collected by the district pays for employee salaries and benefits. The total budget for the 2024-2025 school year is $37.9 million, with payroll costs accounting for $30.4 million. Other costs include facility maintenance and operations, classroom technology and security, and construction costs.
“These funds will allow our school system to maintain the foundation to move forward,” Superintendent Dr. John Barthelemy said.
Long-Term Funding Supporting Student Growth
The three millages up for renewal have been long-standing funding sources for the school system. Two of the renewals have been approved by voters for more than 30 years, and the third renewal has been approved for more than 25 years.
These resources directly benefit students by providing funding for one-to-one technology, enhanced instructional resources, expanded extracurricular programs and co-curricular activities. Some of these programs include sports teams, art programs, music ensembles, drama production, and clubs focused on robotics, debate, foreign language and leadership. The district also invests in field trips, internships and service-learning projects.
At the same time, these dedicated resources pay for special education services, early childhood programs and expanded college and career opportunities -- ensuring that our students are giving opportunities at every grade level and across all spectrums. For more information on these benefits, click here to read a letter from Superintendent Dr. John Barthelemy.
District Investing in Better, Safer Learning Environments
Assumption Parish Schools continues to move forward in its efforts to create better, safer facilities for its students and employees.
The district is investing more than $4 million in current construction projects that include:
Exterior Building Renovations at Bayou L’Ourse Primary, Pierre Part Elementary, Labadieville Primary and Belle Rose Primary
Refurbished two-story main academic building and new brick facade at Assumption High
New HVAC systems at Assumption High; HVAC repairs and upgrades across the district
New Roof for AHS ROTC and Ag Education Buildings
New Athletic Facilities -- lighting on baseball/softball fields, turf surface for football/soccer stadium and bleachers in gym
At the same time, security upgrades include:
Secure, single point entries on campuses
Limited and monitored access to campus visitors
New electronic lock systems
New 8-ft security fencing at Napoleonville Primary
The three dedicated millage renewals on the Dec. 7 ballot include funding for maintenance and operations of facilities, technology and security, and construction projects.