Dr. Sito Narcisse quit EBR Schools rather than fix leadership at the Dufrocq School and come the community. We wish him the best.
After the 4 cancelled meetings Interim Superintendent Adam Smith was at the Dufrocq School his first day on the job and apologized for some failures in planning and that may have lead to the enrollment decline exacerbated by poor leadership. It was a big change to see someone take some responsibility. It was also noted two school board members were in attendance and the district attorney.
Participants had trouble filling out an online questionnaire, which kept questions few. No follow up meeting was planned though the confusing slides raised many questions.
As expected the meeting was peaceful. There was no angry mob, just a handful of somber parents and staff (in person and online) with a large contingent from central office in the cafeteria. The rest of the district was closed due to unsafe weather, but the meeting continued after too many cancellations knowing turnout would be poor. It's not surprising the meeting was poorly advertised with so many needing answers and no real comments about the traditional program nor large drop in LEAP scores for disabled students.
They announced there will still be a new principal search and include some community members.It is not clear this intended to be a fair search to serve ALL kids or serve up the position to cronies already messing up the school.
Most of the focus was changes to, "Montessori," this school year. Many kids were transferred to traditional style teachers since EBR has pushed out Montessori skilled staff. They said they may pay for training, but that will take time. They admitted so much change was need, but no immediate resources nor time line offered. Board members and leaders assured the community they are committed to improvements.
Other concerns: the recent travel of the executive director Christal Aguillard and Interim Principal Turner to a Montessori Leadership conference was about artificial intelligence in Montessori education held at Paradise Point Resort and Spa in San Diego, California. This seems in bad taste when the program has fallen so far off track and several teachers left this school year. The community deserves better than to watch the public funds wasted on extravagant travel as many families and staff can't even get basic communication and children are still denied daily math and reading instruction. This trip was planned before the power change at the superintendent level and feels suspect in a community longing for trust and cohesive leadership.
Many hope Interim Superintendent Adam Smith recognizes the need for drastic change and not just subtle shifts back to the same that didn't work before. We hope EBRPSS remembers the community who saved Dufrocq from destruction and finds ways to honor their work by revitalizing the whole school and pushing towards a healthy, equitable school community centered on children. The fight goes on, but will acknowledge big shifts as they happen and hope to close this petition in victory.