APSB names two new principals

By: Jeannine LeJeune
CROWLEY – The school year may be over, but for the Acadia Parish School Board, there is no down time as the board has now turned its attention to the next school and fiscal year.

The board’s June meeting covered a variety of topics, including the naming of two new principals and a new executive director of personnel/operations.

First, the board named Paula Cutrer as the new principal at Ross Elementary. Cutrer, who was on hand for Monday night’s meeting spoke to the board, thanking them for the opportunity to lead Ross. She also said that she was looking forward to working with the faculty and staff of Ross Elementary, several of which were also at the meeting.

“The best teacher is the one who never, never forgets what it is to be a student,” said Cutrer, “and the best administrator is the one who never forgets what a teacher does.

“I would like to take this time to thank each of you for allowing me this opportunity.”

Following Cutrer’s comments, the board moved to advertise for a new assistant principal at Rayne High School, where Cutrer was employed last school year.

Next, Katie Jolivette was named as Church Point Middle’s new leader. Jolivette was assistant principal at the school before. The board approved the lateral transfer of Rayne High School’s other assistant principal, Samuel Babineaux, to Church Point High.

Jolivette also attended Monday’s meeting and also thanked the board for the opportunity. Jolivette was one of four candidates for the job.

“Thank you, Mr. Bourque, members of the board, faculty members and colleagues for your vote of confidence,” she said.

Finally, the board named Ellen K. Baggett the executive director of personnel/operations.

After filling the three positions, the board returned to its policy making business. It approved several recommendations from the budget and finance committee, including the final 2010-2011 budget revisions. It adopted property tax millages for 2011 and its renewed property and liability insurance. The board also approved Iota Middle School’s Beta Club trip to national convention, which will be held June 15-20 in Nashville, Tenn. Not all of the 18 qualifying beta members will be able to make the trip, but the club will pay its own way through fundraisers and donations from local businesses.

The board’s next meeting is slated for July 11, as the first Monday of July is the Fourth of July.