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

Employees eligible for annual honor serve in roles such as bus driver, food service, clerical, custodial, etc.

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education today announced finalists for the state’s Outstanding School Support Employee awards program. The 10 finalists represent schools across Louisiana and a wide range of professions. Employees eligible for the annual honor serve students and families in roles such as teacher’s aide, bus driver, food service worker, clerical, and custodial.

“Congratulations to each of these valued professionals and thank you for the difference you make in the lives of students, families, and teachers,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “I know the vital role these individuals play in the successful operation of our schools and the education of students.”

The finalists for the 2024 Louisiana Outstanding School Support Employee Awards are:

Elementary:

Lafayette Parish: Maria Yaraure-Reyes (Paraprofessional/ Katharine Drexel Elementary)
Ouachita Parish: Malcolm Gay (Paraprofessional/George Welch Elementary)
Plaquemines Parish: Consuello Nicole Sylve (Custodial/Belle Chasse Primary)
West Feliciana Parish: Eric Mendel (Paraprofessional/Bains Elementary)

Middle:

Caddo Parish: Carlton Hardy (Security Coordinator/ Caddo Middle Career & Technology)
Jefferson Parish: Neil Perry (Custodial/Marrero Middle)
Livingston Parish: Ashley Guzzardo (Clerical/ North Corbin Junior High)

High:

East Feliciana Parish: Leo Brown (School Bus Driver/ East Feliciana High)
Evangeline Parish: Tonya Soileau (Clerical/ Pine Prairie High)
Jefferson Davis Parish: Deidra Reed (Clerical/Jennings High)

An overall state honoree and the finalists will be recognized during the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting on April 10. Finalists were selected among over 700 nominees submitted from across the state. All public school systems were eligible to make one selection per category: elementary, middle, and high school.

The LDOE recognizes that outstanding school support staff are critical to school success. Annually, the Department recognizes and celebrates some of the state’s most exceptional school support staff through the Outstanding School Support Employees award program. This program provides the opportunity to acknowledge those support employees who have rendered time and talents beyond the call of duty. These staff exemplify Louisiana’s best in the education profession and play an integral role in school and student success.

Selections were based on the following criteria: display of outstanding leadership qualities in inspiring or motivating others, evidence of service or achievement above and beyond what is expected in the usual school operation, professionalism in her or her role as a support to the operation of the school, in addition to other specific factors such as skill and dedication, plans to continue active employment, respect and rapport with students, respect of and rapport with parents, respect of and rapport with coworkers, and community leadership.

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