For the first time in history, the Evangeline Parish School District’s superintendent has been selected by the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents (LASS) to serve on the Governing Board of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).
Darwan Lazard, who began his role as superintendent in Evangeline Parish back in January of 2017, is one of only two out of 69 Louisiana school district superintendents to have been selected this year to serve on the governing board for the National Superintendent’s Organization.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected by my fellow superintendents to represent them in the National School Superintendents Association,” said Lazard. “While I did not seek this position, I am grateful to God for the opportunity to serve and to my colleagues for their confidence in me. Like never before, this appointment provides a national platform for me to highlight the successes and challenges of Louisiana and Evangeline Parish School System.”
The AASA, which was founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 14,000 educational leaders across the United States.
In a release from the Evangeline Parish School Board it states that as a member of its board, Lazard “will serve as an education advocate and liaison for District Superintendents from across Louisiana,” which are duties that his colleagues feel he will successfully perform.
“Superintendent Lazard possesses many attributes that are essential to this new role,” said Dr. Lottie P. Beebe, former Board of Elementary and Secondary Education member. “He is an effective communicator and listens to all sides - policy makers, parents, education stakeholders, and students - prior to making a decision that will have far reaching implications.”
Beebe then continued, “He knows education issues and has a strong desire for education excellence and improving academic outcomes for all students.”
St. Landry Parish School System Superintendent Patrick Jenkins also shared about his confidence in Lazard’s ability to serve Louisiana’s education system well on the AASA board.
Jenkins said, “Mr. Darwan Lazard’s experience and leadership in education, as well as advocacy for all children, will provide the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Governing Board with clear expectations that will advocate for equitable access for all students for the highest quality public education. He is an awesome selection to represent Louisiana district superintendents on the governing board of AASA.”
Due to Lazard’s new appointment, the superintendent will be traveling to Washington, D.C. this week where he will be sworn-in as an AASA board member and meet with the United States Congress.
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ELIZABETH WEST Managing Editor