Providing All Louisiana Students with Opportunities to Learn

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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.

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Policy Guidance

State Advisory Groups

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

Learn more about our education groups

State honors leaders advancing student support, fitness, and healthy habits in schools

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) today recognized outstanding education professionals from across the state who help create the conditions for student success. The LDOE announced overall state honorees for school support employees and school health service providers, and celebrated schools leading the way in student physical activity.

Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year

Donella Wagner, a custodian at Raintree Elementary in St. Mary Parish Schools, was named the 2025 Louisiana Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year. Wagner plays a vital role in supporting both students and staff and was selected from a group of exceptional finalists representing school systems across Louisiana.

The Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year program honors support staff—including clerical staff, custodians, food service workers, maintenance staff, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and aides—who go above and beyond in their service to schools and families.

School Health Service Provider of the Year

Sue Lyn Simpson, a physical therapist with Ascension Public Schools, was named the 2025 Louisiana School Health Service Provider of the Year. Simpson was selected from a group of dedicated finalists for her exemplary contributions to student health and wellness.

Professionals eligible for School Health Service Provider of the Year include occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, and licensed behavioral health providers (LCSW/LMSW, LPC, and psychologists).

School Physical Activity Award

The LDOE also recognized six schools as finalists for the Louisiana School Physical Activity Award. Those schools and principals are:

  • Bossier Parish | Plantation Park Elementary | Rachel Stroud
  • Claiborne Parish | Homer High | Alexandria Feaster
  • East Feliciana Parish | East Feliciana STEAM Academy | Kimberly J. Glascock
  • Livingston Parish | South Live Oak Elementary | Amy Savage
  • Orleans Parish | New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy | Alexis Long
  • St. Tammany Parish | Bonne Ecole Elementary | Julie Lupo

The Louisiana School Physical Activity Award recognizes elementary and secondary schools that are implementing an outstanding physical activity program. An exemplary school for this award must demonstrate physical activity throughout the day, including physical education classes, physical activity before and after school, physical activity during school hours, family and community engagement activities, and staff involvement.

All honorees were recognized at the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting on June 3 and during a celebratory reception at the Old State Capitol.

For more information, visit the LDOE’s awards webpage. Questions may be directed to excellenteducators@la.gov.

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