Superintendent reports gains in attendance, K–3 reading and internships; lays out facilities progress

The DeSoto Parish School Board received an end‑of‑year strategic plan update on July 2 that highlighted improvements in attendance, early reading and career programming and provided progress reports on multiple facilities projects.

The superintendent told the board the district met its attendance goal: "Our goal was 95% and we hit that goal," he said, and reported chronic absenteeism fell from 18.2% to 14.9%. He described a multi‑tiered approach to chronic absenteeism that includes school counselors, behavioral health staff, and, for extreme cases, coordination with local judges and the district attorney.

On early literacy the district reported a K–3 DIBELS proficiency of 80.4% (the district had set a goal of 79%), and staff noted the district placed near the top of state rankings when some K–3 data were released. The superintendent highlighted the district's use of a supplemental intervention platform (recorded in the meeting as 'Zern') and said implementation placed the district toward the top statewide for that program.

Staff reported substantial growth in coaching and instructional support: the district doubled documented coaching sessions from 2,121 to 4,283 during the year, and all nine schools now use the district’s 'bullseye' platform to track learning walks, observations and coaching priorities.

The board also heard that industry‑based credentialing and internships are expanding: 61% of students earned industry credentials (goal 57%), 82% of seniors had at least one honors course and 29% had one or more dual‑enrollment classes. Internship placements increased from two to 43 this year, with a target of 60 next year; board members discussed age and insurance constraints for certain apprenticeships (for example, CDL training must generally occur after graduation when students are 18).

On facilities, the superintendent summarized campus projects: final punch‑list work at Mansville High, Loganport administrative area nearly ready for occupancy, a new wing targeted for November completion, middle school work expected in mid‑August to early September, and turf and track foundations underway. Staff credited maintenance and contractors for summer progress and said the district will continue finishing touches ahead of the school year.

The superintendent closed by introducing consultant Chance McNeely, who joined virtually and was thanked for work on tax renewals and communications. The board adjourned after a brief closing and reminder of a forthcoming statewide data release.

The July 2 update focused on data highlights and operational progress; board members asked several follow‑up questions on chronic absenteeism, curriculum supports, and career pathways.