Providing All Louisiana Students with Opportunities to Learn

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Welcome to the Louisiana Department of Education

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) serves over 800,000 students in a growing portfolio of educational settings. As the state agency that oversees early childhood and K-12 education in Louisiana, the LDOE is committed to providing every child with the opportunities they need to graduate high school ready to succeed in a career, college, or service. The LDOE is responsible for a variety of services such as policy and regulations, funding, school oversight, research, and training.

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About the Louisiana Department of Education

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) provides guidance and support to all publicly funded early childhood centers and elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana. Specifically, the department provides tools and resources to schools and school systems to support classroom instruction, assessments, workforce development and college and career preparation. Additionally, the department provides families and the public with transparent reporting of center, school, and school system performance and quality through the Louisiana School Finder.

To stay connected with the LDOE and receive updates on our work and our resources, visit our newsroom and our newsletter subscriptions page.

Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

The LDOE is the administrative arm of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). BESE was established by the 1974 Louisiana Constitution. The Board is composed of 11 members: eight elected by the citizens of Louisiana’s eight BESE districts, and three appointed by the governor of Louisiana to represent the state at-large. Together, these members adopt and enact policies governing the elementary and secondary schools of Louisiana.

Louisiana's Education Priorities

Louisiana's education priorities maintain a clear focus on what matters most for academic achievement.

Early childhood leading to kindergarten readiness
Literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading
Math instruction from foundational to advanced skills
Opportunities ensuring a meaningful high school experience
An effective teacher for every student
Expand educational choice for students and families

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If you have questions, including public records requests, questions about licensure, or other types of inquiries, please see our contact us page.

Louisiana State Superintendent

Dr. Cade Brumley

Dr. Brumley is a Louisiana native who has dedicated his career to serving children, parents, and educators.

Meet Dr. Brumley

Back to the Basics

Louisiana's Education Priorities

From being ready to learn on the first day of kindergarten to thriving in a career, college

Learn about our priorities

Employment Opportunities

Careers at LDOE

Join the Louisiana Department of Education as we strive for excellence.

View current openings

Policy Guidance

State Advisory Groups

The LDOE facilitates over a dozen councils, committees, task forces, and other groups.

Learn more about our education groups

Overall winners are Jack McMullin from St. Bernard Parish,

Blakely Falgout from Lafourche Parish, and Raj Letchuman from Caddo Parish

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education tonight named the three 2023 Students of the Year and honored all 24 regional finalists during a ceremony at the Louisiana State Museum. The overall winners-–one student each from the elementary, middle, and high school grades–were selected based on academic achievement, leadership skills, career and technical achievements, character, and service to their schools and communities.

Elementary School (5th Grade)

Jack William McMullin is the elementary school Louisiana Student of the Year winner. The son of Jeremey and Meghan McMullin, he has been described as a people person and a natural communicator. Jack is a student at Joseph J. Davies Elementary in St. Bernard Parish where Tiffani Glapion serves as principal. Doris Voitier serves as the Superintendent of St. Bernard Parish Public Schools. Jack is president of Junior Beta Club, active in theater, and excels in academic games competitions.

Middle School (8th Grade)

Blakely Elizabeth Falgout is the middle school Louisiana Student of the Year winner. The daughter of Joshua and Christy Falgout, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout elementary and middle school. Blakely is a student at Lockport Middle in Lafourche Parish where Dr. Decina Rodriguez serves as principal. Jarod Martin serves as the Lafourche Parish School System Superintendent. Blakely is involved with student council, 4-H, cheerleading, National Beta Club, dance, and pageants.

High School (12th Grade)

Raj Letchuman is the high school Louisiana Student of the Year winner. The son of Santhi and Rama Letchuman, he earned a perfect score on the ACT. Raj is a senior at Caddo Parish Magnet High where R. J. Middleton serves as principal. Dr. Lamar Goree serves as the Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools. Raj’s career goal is to become an astronaut and he earned an internship with NASA. Not only does he excel in the classroom, but Raj also serves his community through tutoring and volunteering.

“The goal of education is to prepare students to succeed at the highest levels possible,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “These young people are great examples of that mission. Congratulations to our Students of the Year and their families.”

The LDOE recognizes that many outstanding students are enrolled in schools throughout the state. To acknowledge these accomplishments, the Department, in conjunction with the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), annually honors one incredible fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade student based on their leadership, academic performance, achievements, citizenship, and service to the school and community.

In March, the LDOE named 24 students as finalists in the state’s annual Students of the Year competition. The honorees included one fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade student from each of the state’s eight BESE regions.

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