The Evangeline Parish School Board held its bi-monthly meeting Wednesday night in the School Board Media Center.  Newly appointed Superintendent of Schools, Darwan Lazard, addressed the Board and announced he has decided to appoint Mike Lombas as Interim Assistant Superintendent.  Lazard stated Lombas has served his district long and is very knowledgeable about the curriculum and the school system.  Lazard also stated that others have shown interests in the position, but this is the “way he has decided to go for now.”  He thanked those who showed interests. 

Lazard commended Special Education Director, Roxane West and Kelly Lafleur for their hard work with the Special Education Department and the work that has been done to help students with disabilities have access to resources needed to obtain their diplomas.  The School Board approved West’s prior request to apply for an LDOE Opportunity Grant.  From the monies received from that grant, they were able to purchase a school bus to use for transporting the students to work in positions at area businesses and learn job skills.  They would like to thank the following businesses for employing the students: Evangeline Parish School Board, Doug Ashy, Randy Deshotel, Clerk of Court, Evangeline Parish Library, Ace Hardware, Champagne’s Grocery, Prairie Manor Nursing Home, Village of Pine Prairie and Deville’s Grocery.

The Superintendent is encouraging parents to register their children for the many programs available for small children.  He stated he is concerned about enrollment and he wants parents to know we have ‘wonderful Pre-K and Kindergarten programs available.’  Penny McDaniel explained that it is very easy now to enroll your child(ren) because you can register at any of the campuses and fill out one application.  There is no need to issue separate applications to different sites.  You will have a 1^st choice, 2^nd choice and 3^rd choice on the application now and that her office will handle the paperwork should the 1^st choice have no room for the child.

There will be special Night Among the Stars held tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the Northside Civic Center to recognize and celebrate the Students of the Year.  They moved it from the School Board room because of the size and they want to make it a very special event.  This year’s awards will include Evangeline Central, Work Board Learning, Mamou High Pro Skills and music will be provided by gifted and talented students.