EPSB gets updated on COVID cases in parish

Dr. Charles “Chuck” Aswell and Special Education Director Kelli LaFleur addressed the Evangeline Parish School Board at Wednesday’s meeting, explaining the new COVID-19 testing kits for students. Aswell stressed the importance of the COVID-19 immunizations, saying, “If we don’t immunize, our culture will never change. Five years from now we’ll still be wearing masks.”
School board member Sheila Joseph expressed concern for school nurses who may be potentially exposed to numerous COVID cases with in-school testing and asked if there will be a daily limit to the number of tests provided. LaFleur said the nurses are training additional people to help them if they have a high influx of possible cases.
Aswell said the nurses he sees everyday put on their PPE and go into rooms for 12 to 14 hours a day and come back each day. “That’s why nurses are the most respected profession in the world,” said. He further added it is understandable school nurses have concerns about it, but the risk is lowered as long as they wear their PPE and follow precautions.
Superintendent Lazard was recognized and presented with a plaque for Superintendent of the Year for regions four and five, for his commitment and dedication to the community and children. The award was presented by Gwile Freeman with Taylor & Sons Insurance and Financial Services. Freeman, a former superintendent herself, said this past year Taylor & Sons took on the opportunity to recognize the regional superintendents of the year. She gave a brief professional history of Lazard, whom she calls her friend, saying, “Mr. Lazard is greatly respected throughout the state. He has a stellar career and reputation of academic excellence. Coming from a rural community, that means a lot, to have a leader who represents you in the community.”
Lazard thanked Taylor & Sons and his fellow superintendents in regions four and five which encompass 13 school districts. “For me to be selected to represent them is truly an honor. I’m grateful,” he said.
Also in the meeting, Evangeline Virtual Academy (EVA) program administrator Steven Manuel and Evangeline Central assistant administrator Dawn Hardy gave a visual presentation on how students learn virtually. They worked closely with curriculum supervisors and others to develop the learning program. After the presentation, Assistant Superintendent Mike Lombas said, “Everything you just saw was developed and generated by Evangeline Parish School Board teachers. It’s a tier one curriculum. It’s rigorous. It’s come a long way, but I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the work these teachers are putting out for these kids and how it’s organized for the students so they learn the routine very quickly. We’re absolutely delighted with the work that they’ve done with EVA. It’s phenomenal.”