Evangeline Parish School Board members were met with a full house this Wednesday, as Ville Platte High School Student Council members, teachers, and staff were in attendance to deliver a presentation called “Highlights and Horizons,” a look at progress made and future plans.  

“When we highlight Ville Platte High School, there is no way we can highlight every person that contributes on the campus, but there are many, many contributing factors. Tonight, I felt appropriate that the most important factor be the one that present to you.” said Principal Melanie Miller. Student Council members took turns presenting a slide show to the board.

Some of the highlights included school programs, such as their CNA program, Jobs of America Graduates, Bulldog Band, FFA, JROTC, BETA, 4-H, and FBLA. Saving the big news for last, a brand new program, Digital Media and Entertainment/Bull Dog Productions will be coming soon for Sophomores and Juniors. This program will offer students the opportunity to learn music production, radio, publications, news reporting, journalism, and broadcasting. Also recognized was Yvette Jagneaux, Middle School District Teacher of the Year, and Mitzi Fontenot, High School District Teacher of the Year.

Superintendent, Darwan Lazard also had exciting news to share with the board. Lazard announced that 1,993 Chromebooks are now in the hands of Evangeline Parish students. “We are ahead of our one-year goal, and we are substantially into our year two goal,” says Lazard. “Our goal is to put a Chromebook -- in the hands of each of our students.”

Lazard was also very proud to announce that Ted Soileau, Instructional Supervisor of the Evangeline Parish School Board, and his division, reported back a clean state audit with no findings.

In other business:

- Mamou High School and Bayou Chicot Elementary Principals, and Assistant Principals contracts were renewed for 2 years. W.W. Stewart Elementary School’s Assistant Principal was approved for a 2-year contract renewal.

- The 2018-2019 school year calendar was approved.

- Low bid of $5,910 was accepted for new exterior doors for Ville Platte High School.