By Misty Watson, BPJ Staff

Castor High School, Crawford Elementary School and Saline High School were all honored with the distinctions as “Top Gain” schools by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Kasey Salvaterra, director of Elementary Education and Accountability Supervisor, said the distinction is given when a school has achieved its growth goal.

“It is with great pride that we recognize the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our students, faculty and staff,” she said. “[These schools] collectively contributed to our two-point increase overall of our district score for the 2023-24 school year. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, perseverance and commitment to excellence that permeate every corner of our educational community.”

According to the Louisiana Department of Education, “A” schools will have growth goals of five School Performance Score points or reaching 150 total points, and “B” through “F” schools will have growth goals of 10 SPS points.

Schools that decline by at least one-tenth of a point from the previous year is labeled “Declining.”

CHS, CES and SHS all achieved their growth goal, but also obtained or maintained a progress index of 90 or higher, consistently meeting or exceeding their annual learning objectives, Salvaterra said.
CES and SHS were also named “Opportunity Honorees,” which are schools that perform at or above the 90th percentile for students with disabilities, English learners, or those who are economically disadvantaged.

SHS is also second in the State of Louisiana in growth.

In other news, CHS Principal Joydee Wallace was named Principal of the Year. The Principal of the Year program “recognizes one outstanding principal who has succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students of their school as well as demonstrating outstanding contributions to the principal profession,” Shane Lee, director of instructional support, said.

Principals are selected based on an interview process and is selected by a committee of three, of which this year, consisted of a retired teacher, a previous school board president and a school board employee.

Lee said Wallace demonstrated excellence in instructional leadership, student achievement results, closing gaps and providing opportunities for all students to thrive, school culture and climate as well as shaping a vision of academic success for all students based on high standards and expectations.