Superintendent Irma Duplechain Trosclair announced today she is stepping down as superintendent of the Lafayette Parish School System. In a letter sent to employees, Trosclair listed highlights from her time in the district, including:
- managed the COVID-19 pandemic without students falling behind academically
- raised district performance scores to the highest in LPSS history
- reduced the number of D schools from eight (8) in 2019 to one (1) in 2022
- reduced the number of F schools from three (3) in 2019 to zero (0) in 2022
- increased graduation rate and strength of diploma
- ranked #1 in district performance scores amongst large districts serving over 30k students.
- ranked #1 in large districts statewide for the number of students scoring mastery on state assessments
- increased performance of students with disabilities to the highest level in district history
- ranked 16th overall in state district performance score rankings, climbing 13 spots since 2019
- ranked #5 in the state for score growth increases for years 2019-2022
- leads regions IV and V in district performance score growth change for the years 2019-2022
- closed achievement and opportunity gaps
- provided WiFi connectivity to decrease digital divide
- significantly increased social and emotional support for students
- significantly enhanced school safety measures and protocols
- began construction of four new schools
- purchased a new central office facility with the construction of a new state-of-the-art board room nearing completion
- raised teacher salaries
- through strategic and intentional systemic changes in practices, increased equity in schools
- developed & sustained strong community partnerships that continue to support schools, staff, students
- maintained an intentional focus on teacher recruitment and retention
- more than tripled the dual enrollment opportunities for high school students
- prioritized career and technical education, significantly increasing the number of students graduating with high-level credentials so they are work-force ready
- maintained balanced budgets aligned with student needs
- notably, 95% of schools in the district now have a letter grade of C or higher compared to 76% of schools pre-pandemic.
“The decision to step down as superintendent of the Lafayette Parish School System has not been easy and I feel fortunate to have an opportunity to continue to do the work I am so passionate about. While I am blessed to have served as leader of this district, this next step in my career will allow me to work more directly with students and educators as well as dedicate more time to my family. I am grateful to have worked with a board that supports initiatives that are in the best interest of students, staff, and the community. LPSS has a strong, talented, and dedicated leadership team that is capable and committed to continuing the work of moving the district forward.” states Trosclair
Trosclair’s last day with LPSS will be July 20, 2023. She will then serve as principal of Eunice High School, as well as act as zone leader overseeing all schools in the Eunice area in St. Landry Parish.
At its July 19 meeting, the Lafayette Parish School Board will appoint an interim superintendent.
President Tommy Angelle states, “On behalf of the Lafayette Parish School Board, I would like to thank Superintendent Trosclair for all of the work she has done to move our district forward. The Lafayette Parish School System would not be where we are today without her knowledge, vision, and leadership. We wish her well in her next endeavor.”