By LEONARD GRAY

Managing Editor

RESERVE – St. John Parish Schools is proud of Fifth Ward Elementary School, as well they should be.

Fifth Ward, under the leadership of Principal Perry DiCarlo, has turned the corner from being the lowest-ranked school in the district to one of the best.

DiCarlo was also named the district’s Principal of the Year.

Three St. John public schools also rose from the ranks of those facing sanctions, including Fifth Ward. The others are East St. John High School and West St. John Elementary School.

“Our story is that there’s still improvements to be made,” Delia Taylor, spokesperson, stated.

The use of the Renaissance program has been the key to success, she continued. “It’s a whole new way to teach.”

Similarly, St. Charles Parish has much to crow about.

“We were happy to hear it,” said Curriculum Director Rachel Allemand. “It’s what we expected, but it’s nice to hear it officially.”

What they heard is notable improvements in several schools, while other already-high-ranking schools sustained slight declines.

“The state keeps struggling to make it more fair,” Allemand said.

Seven schools have qualified for monetary rewards, in cluding Hahnville and Destrehan high schools, Cammon and J.B. Martin middle schools, Mimosa Park and Norco K-3 elementary schools and Songy Kidergarden Center.