By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

RESERVE — Superintendent Kevin George is full of accolades for St. John Parish School District’s teachers and administrators.

“I would put our teachers and administrators up against any other district,” George said. “The hard work, dedication and altruistic nature of our staff is evident every time you walk into one of our buildings. These are some of the best and brightest of not only St. John Parish, but also the entire state.”

New administrative officials for the 2014-15 school year were honored at a recent St. John the Baptist Parish School Board meeting.

George said the district filled 14 administrative spots for this school year, including Lakesha Beauchamp, assistant principal at Emily C. Watkins; Jason Beber, principal at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary; Shanna Beber, curriculum facilitator at the Central Office; Stacy Bradford, principal at East St. John High School; Monica Brown, assistant principal at John L. Ory; Drenean Brown, assistant principal at LaPlace Elementary; Margaret Cage, supervisor of school improvement at the Central Office; Jenna Chiasson, curriculum facilitator at the Central Office; Tanya Faucheaux, instructional technology facilitator at the Central Office; Juanita Hill coordinator of student information services at the Central Office; Holly Manson, coordinator of federal/state programs at the Central Office; Christal Sylvain, principal at John L. Ory; Chantell Walker, principal at West St. John Elementary and Stephen Zafirau, curriculum facilitator at the Central Office.

At the meeting, George announced the district accepted the retirement of 38 employees during the 2013-14 school year.

“To our retirees, we say farewell and enjoy a well-deserved retirement,” he said. “The work they have done over their decades of service has laid the foundation for a great future.”

Retiree honorees included Melissa Cortez, Jean George, Felix Dumas, Norma Prima, Barbara Reeves, Constance Placide, Barbara Dennis, Brent Tearney, Linda King, Melinda Edwards, Audrey Snyder, Mary Mitchell, Donna Madere, Nettie Parquette, Ann Hymel, Melia Wood, Debra Bateman, Penny Goudia, Henry Knight, Jane Bozeman, Dawn Guillory, Jerry Galloway, Bettye Shepherd, Carolyn Young, Joyce Crose, Kathy Foucha, Shirley Keller, Laurie Adams, LeeAnn LeBouef, Alice Edwards, Teri Noel, Linda Bailey, Kitty Goudia, Daniel Hymel, Yolanda Joseph, Beverly Love, Debra Anderson and Herbert Smith.