By MELISSA PEACOCK

RESERVE – The juggling of administrative staff, primarily principals and assistant principals, at St. John the Baptist Parish public schools is just another part of administrative attempts to improve scores on standardized tests and to increase parental involvement, according to Superintendent Michael Coburn.

“It is our job to make sure that our children are academically prepared to meet and pass the basic standards expected of them,” Coburn said. “We are making improvements on our test scores in some areas, but in others we are still struggling.

“We are hopeful that the changes we are proposing will go toward improving our overall performance.”

The creation of a curriculum team, the assessment and revising of last year’s curriculum alignment and the reorganization of leadership roles are the biggest changes parents will see in St. John Parish schools this school year.

“Last year was my first year and I didn’t make any changes to the organization,” Coburn said. “After sitting back and watching for a year, I’ve made the decision to do some moving in the administrative body. There are leadership qualities that are needed at certain schools. We are putting leaders where they can best serve.”

This year’s appointments include Perry DiCarlo, principal of Fifth Ward Elementary; Audrey Sylvain, principal of West St. John Elementary; Jackie Forest, principal of St. John Child Development Center; Jerry Galloway, principal of West St. John High School; and Shelton Smith, principal of the Redirection Center.

All of the principals served in parish schools last year.

Former Assistant Principals Orlando Watkins and Willette Wallace will be reassigned as principals this year. Watkins will take over as acting principal of Glade School. Willette will serve as principal of East St. John Elementary.

“As head coach of this St. John schools team, I have to put in players best fit for first string offense,” Coburn said. “But, they are going to have to do a good job to stay in the game. Accountability will be number one.”

The goal of switching players – to increase and enhance parental involvement and to bolster test scores.

“What we’ve talked about is bringing more quality parental involvement into the schools,” Coburn said. “We think this change will improve parental involvement. It’s a parent-friendly approach.”

Coburn said new leadership and a new direction could get parents and students excited about the school system again.

“It’s going to be a whole new attitude.”

Coburn said the theme for the year will be “Surrounding Our Students with Support” and will include an increased focus on improving the curriculum and communication between parents, the community and the schools.

“My expectations (for the school year) are to make sure all our schools are above state levels – we’re definitely taking a strong approach.”

In addition to strategically placed school leaders, Coburn has put together an 8-member curriculum team, headed by the St. John Assistant Superintendent.

“The curriculum team is in charge of studying, designing and redesigning the curriculum,” Coburn said. “Only three people were in the curriculum team last year.”

The team will meet twice a week to study, design and redesign curriculum for St. John Parish schools. In addition, it will work to update the curriculum alignment, a curriculum standard started last year for all grade levels in all the public schools.

“Of course any time you have change, you have some upset by it,” Coburn said when asked about faculty reaction to the reorganization. “But most of the principals have been very supportive.”

Coburn said changes like the reorganization take place every year at some level but this year’s massive reorganization is the largest “shakedown” to hit the parish public school system in quite a while.