District reports 589 students, program expansions and student college acceptances; CLSSC remodel described

Superintendent Dr. Shirley Lewis told the board on March 24 that the Louisiana Special School District is serving 589 students and described program work and plans to contract with Empower Schools to lead stakeholder engagement and a district strategic plan.

Dr. Lewis gave a program breakdown—citing district figures presented in the meeting—and described four deliverables the proposed Empower Schools contract would provide: a project initiation and stakeholder launch; a formal stakeholder engagement plan; a comprehensive diagnostic assessment integrating performance data and stakeholder input; and a district communications plan for public presentation and posting on the district website.

Regional coordinator Amanda Bevik described services at the Central Louisiana Supports and Services Center (CLSSC, also called Classic), saying CLSSC is an intermediate care facility that serves 92 residents and provides year‑round educational services to 37 students, many with complex medical and mobility needs. Bevik detailed an ongoing two‑phase facility remodel that has upgraded classrooms, accessible doorways, sprinkler systems, sinks in classrooms, energy‑efficient lighting and plans for a sensory garden and wheelchair swing.

Students and alumni also spoke: Pamela, a graduating senior, praised the school's inclusive environment and range of career and technical offerings; senior Briana Frickie said she had been accepted to "Tulain University" (transcript spelling) and will pursue psychology and neuroscience, crediting teachers and counselors for supporting her application process.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the Empower Schools contract kickoff in April (as discussed) and board members were invited to visit remodeled facilities when available.