Historical Information

Early Education in Lafayette Parish

Little is known of the early years of public education in Lafayette Parish. According to Dr. H.L. Griffin in The Attakapas Country: "The constitution authorized Lafayette Parish to levy a tax for the support of the schools and to appoint a superintendent of education at a salary of $400 per year. Under this law, a one room school was opened in 1847. Five years later the office of parish superintendent was abolished." No mention is made of anyone serving as parish superintendent during that time.

The earliest record found was an article in the July 2, 1870 issue of the Advertiser which stated that the Board of School Directors for the Parish of Lafayette met on Wednesday, June 29, 1870 and was organized by choosing the following officers: L.E. Salles, President of the Board; Dr. T.B. Hopkins, Treasurer; and Mr. G. Broussard, Secretary. In the March 22, 1873 issue of the Advertiser, the proceedings of the March 17, 1873 meeting of the Board of Directors listed Mr. L.E. Salles as Secretary-Treasurer, and Mr. August Monnier as President.  In the June 4, 1873 proceedings, Mr. Salles was referred to as the Director of Public School Systems.  In March 1874, Mr. Salles rendered his resignation, Mr. B.A. Salles was elected Secretary-Treasurer to replace him, and Mr. Monnier was re-elected as President.

Although no mention was made in this meeting or any subsequent meetings in 1874 or 1875, according to commission signed by William G. Brown, President of the State Board of Education of Louisiana and kept in the Lafayette Parish School Board Office, August C. Melchior was appointed Director of Lafayette Parish Schools in March 1874.  This is not recorded at the office of the Louisiana State Department of Education.  According to their records, the only name of Director of Education listed in Lafayette Parish is L.E. Salles who served from April 20, 1875 to March 31, 1877.  No information could be found for the years 1878 though 1881.  In the proceedings of the December 1877 meeting of the Lafayette Board of Directors, T.B. Hopkins is listed as President of the Board and remained as President until 1879.  No mention is made of a director during this time.

According to Dr. H.L. Griffin in The Attakapas Country, the office of parish superintendent was recreated in 1879 at a salry of $200 per year.  No mention was made of an appointment.  However, in the July 1, 1879 proceedings of the Board, H.M. Burleigh was secretary pro tem and Dr. Hopkins was President.  No other records could be located until January 1882.

Louis E. Salles

1873-1874 & 1875-1879

Louis E. Salles was the son of Sylvain Salles and Hortense Carlin.  In 1869, he married Carnelia Queen and they became the parents of one daughter, Genevieve (Mrs. Rudolph Derbes), now deceased.

Details of Salles' activities in education are somewhat sketchy.  In the Jul. 1870 proceedings of the School Board appearing in the Advertiser, he was listed as President of the Board.  In Mar. 1873, he was serving as Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Public Education, and in June of that year he was listed as Director, a position he held until Mar. 1874 when he resigned.  According to the records in the Louisiana State Department of Education, Salles served as Director of Lafayette Parish Public Schools from Apr. 20, 1875 to Mar. 31, 1877.  No other records were found at the State Department of Education of Directors in Lafayette Parish.

In 1873, when Salles was listed as Director, Auguste Monnier was President of the School Board and served until 1879.

Auguste Clement Melchior

1874-?

Auguste Clement Melchior, son of Clement Melchior and Susan Young, was born Nov. 11, 1846, in Alsace, France.  He came to New Orleans, LA in 1862.  On Mar. 30, 1871, he married Viviana Ynojosa.  They were the parents of three children: Madeline (Mrs. Felix D. Andrus), George, and Antonia (Mrs. F. Claude Latolais).  All are now deceased.

Melchior became a United States citizen Dec. 13, 1870.  It is believed that he studied for the priesthood both in France and in New Orleans.  On Dec. 17, 1872, he was admitted to the Louisiana bar and was declared qualified by the Supreme Court of Louisiana.  He practiced law in Lafayette Parish and at one time he was postmaster in Carencro.

According to a commission signed by William G. Brown, President, State Board of Education, on Mar. 14, 1874, Melchior was appointed Director of Lafayette Parish Schools.  No record could be found of his service.

Mr. Melchior died at his plantation home near Carencro, LA circa 1878.

A. Edgar Martin

1882-1887

A. Edgar Martin, the son of Valsin Martin and Azelie Guidry, was born in St. Martin Parish on Nov. 17, 1841.  He was educated by private tutors and later attended St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, LA.  After serving in the Confederate Army, he married Julie Martin in 1863.  They became the parents of nine children: Claude, Aline (Mrs. E.B. Arceneaux), Edgar, Azelie (Mrs. Alcee Mouton), Julie (Mrs. J.B. Mouton), Ellen (Mrs. Edmond Mouton), Louise (Mrs. F.M. Latiolais), Laure Marie and Gabriel.  All are now deceased.

Martin began his career in education by teaching in a private school near Scott.  In 1872, he became the Superintendent of Education and set out to revive the poorly attended public schools in the parish.  During his tenure, he established the first teachers institute in the parish. He served as Superintendent until the fall of 1887.

He died in Lafayette Parish on Apr. 3, 1892.  The Edgar Martin School in Lafayette was named in his honor.

Early in 1882, Charles D. Caffery was President of the Board.  It could not be established how long he served.

No record could be found of a Superintendent of Education during 1888.

Harry E. Toll

1889-1896

Harry E. Toll, the son of Samuel E. Toll and Esther Elliot, remained a bachelor until his death. He was Superintendent of Education in 1889. In his 1889 report to the Association of Schools Superintendents, Toll wrote that Lafayette Parish had 18 schools, 3 of which were closed for want of competent teachers. Five hundred fifty pupils were enrolled in the public schools. In 1891, Lafayette High School was established, the school to be built from subscriptions. In Feb. 1894, the high school building was accepted by the Board. At that time, there were 20 schools and 23 teachers with a total enrollment of 1,245 in the schools of the parish.

In 1896, Toll was elected President of the State Convention of Parish School Superintendents. During his tenure as Superintendent he resided in Carencro, LA. At one time, he taught in a one room school over a grocery store, and is also believed to have been in the lumber business in Carencro.

He left Carencro some time after 1913 and moved to Lake Arthur. There, he served as Justice of the Peace and was also in the bakery business.

Toll died Feb. 13, 1932 in Lake Arthur and was buried in New Orleans.

At the time of Toll's appointment, Dr. J.D. Trahan was President of the School Board. In Oct. 1889, O.C. Mouton was elected President and served until Jul. 1890 when he resigned. Dr. J. P. Francez was elected President pro term and served until Sept. when Julian Mouton was elected as President. In 1891, J.O. Broussard was elected President of the School Board and served for the rest of Toll's tenure as Superintendent.

Claude F. Latiolais

1896-1900

Claude F. Latiolais, son of Dr. Felix C. Latiolais and Jenny Beauchamp, was born in 1872 in St. Martin Parish. He attended St. Charles College in Grand Coteau and in 1895 he married Antonia Melchior. They were the parents of six children: three who died in infancy, Alexander who died at age 22, Irene (Mrs. James H. McLaughlin, and Vivian (Mrs. Thomas Wright).

Latiolais taught in the parish schools before becoming Superintendent. He succeeded Toll as Superintendent in Sept. 1896. He served until Mar. 1900 when he resigned.

He died Mar. 16, 1912, in Lafayette Parish.

Dr. T.B. Hopkins became President of the School Board at the time of Latiolais' appointment, and served during his tenure as Superintendent.

Octave Placide Guilbeau

Mar. 1900-Sept. 1900

Octave Placide Guilbeau, son of Alphonse Guilbeau and Blanche Guidry, was born Oct. 11, 1870, in Breaux Bridge, LA.  He was educated at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, studying in both English and French.  Guilbeau married Sidanie Robicheaux May 12, 1891.  They were the parents of two children:  Lillian (Mrs. Thomas Christian Odderstol), and Thomas Jennings Guilbeau.

Guilbeau was active in having the Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute (now called the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) located in the City of Lafayette.  He was a member of the committee at the laying of the cornerstone of the building of Martin Hall, the first building at the college.  He was a cotton broker and at one time served as District Judge.

Guilbeau was appointed Superintendent of Education to succeed Latiolais in Mar. 1900 and served until Sept. 1900.

He died May 17, 1918 in Lafayette.

At the time of Guilbeau's appointment, Dr. T.B. Hopkins was President of the Lafayette Parish School Board.  In July 1900, Aurelien Olivier was elected to succeed Dr. Hopkins.

Henry Creighton Wallis

1900-1901

Henry Creighton Wallis, son of Jesse Comegys Wallis and Elizabeth Republican Creighton, was born in Terrebonne Parish, LA in 1838. He was educated in Maryland and at the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served for four years. He then came to Louisiana to claim his mother's inheritance. He returned to Maryland where he taught school for a number of years.

Wallis returned to Louisiana and taught in Lafayette Parish and Vermilion Parish Public Schools. He married Effie Durke in 1892 and served as Superintendent of Education of the Lafayette Parish Public Schools from Sept. 1900 to Apr. 1901.

He died in 1909 at his Greenwood Plantation home between Cade and Milton.

Aurelien Olivier was President of the School Board during Wallis' tenure as Superintendent.

Leness Joseph Alleman

1901-1907 & 1912-1918

Leness Joseph Alleman was born May 16, 1873 in Paintcourtville, LA. His parents were Narcisse Alleman and Orela Simoneaux and in 1875 his family moved to Centerville. Alleman received his early education in a private school and later attended the Christian Brother College in Memphis, Tennessee. Following graduation, he enrolled at Louisiana State Normal College at Natchitoches and earned his teaching degree there.

He began his teaching career at Centerville High School where he served as Principal. In 1896, a new building was erected and the faculty was expanded to two teachers. In 1900, he married Eleanor Whitworth, one of the teachers at CHS. They had four children: Ray W. Florence (Mrs. Clay Melder), Eleanor (Mrs. Charles O. Garbrecht), and L.J. Jr. (deceased). In 1936, Eleanor died and after her death, Alleman married Charlotte Devall Boykin.

Alleman came to Lafayette in 1901 as Superintendent of Education, the first college trained educator to serve as a Parish Superintendent in Louisiana. In August 1907, he resigned as Superintendent to join the State Department of Education as State Institute Conductor. The institute served to give teachers training, mainly during the summer months. In Sept. 1912, he returned to Lafayette as Superintendent of Education and remained until 1918.

During his years as Superintendent, Alleman was credited with establishing the first school transportation system in Louisiana when students were brought to school in horse-drawn covered wagons.  He was a staunch believer in school consolidation as a means of improving the educational system.  He was the first to introduce the teaching of agriculture for boys and home economics for girls.

He resigned in 1918 to accept a position in vocational education in New Orleans with the Federal Government.  In 1919, he joined the teaching staff at the Louisiana State Noral College.  In 1922, he was appointed Head of the Department of Education at the college and retired from service in 1942.

Alleman died Feb. 21, 1944 in Natchitoches.  The L.J. Alleman School in Lafayette was named in his honor.

Aurelien Olivier was President of the Board when Alleman was first appointed Superintendent and served until 1904 when Dr. N.P. Moss was elected to succeed him.  Dr. Moss was President of the Board when Alleman first resigned.  When Alleman returned in 1912, Dr. F. R. Tolson was President of the Board.  In Dec. 1912, Mr. J. Arthur Roy was elected President and remained throughout the remainder of Alleman's tenure.

Victor Leander Roy, Sr.

1907-1908

Victor Leander Roy, Sr., son of Leander Francois Roy and Adelaide Cailleteau, was born June 18, 1871 in Mansura, LA. He and his wife, Josephine Sanford, were the parents of five children:  Hubert Earl and John Overton who are deceased, and Lucille (Mrs. James Parkerson Caffery), Sanford, and Victor Leander, Jr.

Roy received the Bachelor of Science Degree from Louisiana State University in 1890.  At that time, the student body numbered approximately 70.  In 1894, he attended a summer session at the University of Chicago.  He later attended Tulane University where he received the Master of Arts Degree in 1925.

After graduating from Louisiana State University, Roy taught in Mansura and later became principal at Marksville High School.  In 1902, he was appointed to the faculty of the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette).

In 1904, Roy was appointed Superintendent of Education in Avoyelles Parish.  In August 1907, he was asked by the Lafayette Parish School Board to become Superintendent of Education in Lafayette Parish.  After refusing to leave Avoyelles Parish, he was asked by LPSS to work in both parishes.  An agreement was reached between the boards of both parishes whereby Roy alternated from one parish to another, spending a few days in each parish.  According to his son, V. L. Roy, Jr., Roy commuted back and forth using a horse and buggy.

In March 1908, the District Attorney of Avoyelles Parish informed Roy that it was illegal to hold dual office.  Feeling that the job created too great a burden on himself and his family, Roy resigned as Superintendent in Lafayette Parish.

Roy continued to serve as Superintendent of Avoyelles Parish until 1901.   During his term as Superintendent, he organized the first parish-wide Boy's Corn Club.  In recognition of his work, he became the first state agricultural agent stationed at Louisiana State University.  He became a collaborator with Dr. Seaman A. Knapp, of Lake Charles, recognized nationally as the founder of the Cooperative Extension Service, and with Dr. Knapp, attended a Washington conference which lead to the creation of the 4-H Club organization of young people.

He became President of State Normal College in 1911, where he remained until 1929.  In 1929, he returned to Louisiana State University as Bursar and served in that capacity until 1934.  He then served two years as assistant to William B. Hatcher, the National Youth Administrator for Louisiana.

Roy retired in 1936 after 46 years of public service.  He died in 1948 in Denham.

Dr. N.P. Moss was President of the Lafayette Parish School Board during Roy's tenure.

Wm. Jesse Avery, Sr.

1908-1909

William Jesse Avery, Sr., son of Joseph Marshall Avery and Fannie Davis, was born October 14, 1876 in Jackson Parish.  He married Nella Gertrude Larrabee in 1905.  They were the parents of two children, Frances Nelle (Mrs. William J. Erwin) and W. J. Avery, Jr. 

Avery attended Louisiana State Normal College for a short period of time before beginning his teaching career.  He later returned to the Louisiana State Normal College and obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree.  He also attended the University of Chicago and Louisiana State University.

Avery began his teaching career in Jackson Parish.  He later came to Lafayette Parish to teach and became Principal of Lafayette High School.  In April 1908, he was appointed Superintendent of Schools in Lafayette Parish at a salary of $125 per month.  That summer, because of a lack in funds, the Board decided to open schools for only five months.  In January 1909, the Board set the salary of the Superintendent at $1,200 per year for the next four years.  Avery refused to accept this and resigned.

He then went to Winnfield where he became Principal of Winnfield High School.  In 1916, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Rapides Parish Schools.  The following year, he was appointed Superintendent and served for many years.  He later worked at the Louisiana State Normal Placement Bureau until his retirement in 1932.

Avery was active in the educational field and served as President of the Louisiana Teachers Association in its early years.  He was a pioneer in promoting visual education.  He was listed in Who's Who in American Education.  After his retirement in the educational field, he did volunteer work in the Army testing program in Louisiana and in Texas.

Avery died in Alexandria in 1945.

Dr. N.P. Moss was President of the School Board at the time of Avery's appointment.  In December 1908, Dr. F.R. Tolson was electd President and served during the remainder of Avery's tenure.

Elmo L. Wright

1909-1912

Elmo L. Wright, son of Thomas J. Wright and Sally Chambliss, was born Sept. 28, 1885, in Ruston, LA.  He graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1909 and from the Louisiana State Normal College in 1909.  That same year he married Gladys Mattes and they were the parents of three children:  Maxine Wright Viers, who is deceased; Mrs. Gladys Wright Wilson; and James Ashley Wright.  After the death of his first wife, Wright married Gladys Warren in 1929.

Wright taught in Lafayette Parish and was at one time Principal of Carencro High School.  In 1909, he was appointed Superintendent to succeed Avery.  At the time of his appointment, he was only 23 years of age and the youngest parish superintendent in the state.  When he assumed the position of Superintendent, due to lack of funds, schools were opened for only 5 1/2 months per year.  It wasn't until 1911-1912 that schools were opened for the regular session.

He resigned in Sept. 1912, to enter private business.  He moved to Renton, Washington, where he was franchised Ford automobile dealer.  Although he moved into the field of salesmanship, he remained interested in education.  At one time, he was a member of the Board of Education at Renton, King County, Washington.

Wright was a member of the Rotary Club and was chairman of the Board of Directors of the Valley General Hospital, Renton, Washington.

He died Jan. 31, 1953 in Renton, Washington.

Dr. F.R. Tolson was President of the School Board during Wright's tenure as Superintendent.

Atwood William Bittle

1918-1922

Atwood William Bittle, the son of Thomas Chalmers Bittle and Octavia Polk Atwood, was born Dec. 12, 1870, in Austin, Texas.  He married Celeste Edna Lastrapes and they were the parents of one daughter, Helen (Mrs. B. J. Beaulleau), who died in 1977.

Bittle attended Parson Seminary in Manor, Texas and Texas A & M, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1894.  He also attended the University of Chicago in 1912.

After graduation, he went to Washington, LA, as Principal of the high school there and remained in that position for 16 years.  In 1910, he came to the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) as professor of mathematics.  After three years, he returned to Washington as Principal for additional three years.

In 1914 and 1916, Bittle was elected as Superintendent of Iberia Parish Schools and Terrebonne Parish Schools respectively, accepted both positions, then resigned before taking office.

In 1916, he returned to the University of Southwestern Louisiana.  In 1918, he was appointed Superintendent of Schools in Lafayette Parish, a position he held for four years before returning to U.S.L. as Business Manager, a position he held until he retired in 1941.

Because of his many years of service to the University, the student council paid tribute in 1940 to Bittle for his dedication of the A .W. Bittle Student Center at U.S.L.

Bittle died in Lafayette in 1951.

J. Arthur Roy was President of the School Board during Bittle's tenure as Superintendent.

John Wesley Faulk

1922-1942

John Wesley Faulk, son of Neville Faulk and Rose Morgan, was born May 27, 1879, in Indian Bayou, Louisiana.  In 1901, he married Etta Spell.  They were the parents of six children: Ola Ray, James Wellman, and Roy Willis, who are deceased, and Vera (Mrs. H.B. McCrary), John Boyd, and Nevelyn (Mrs. G. P. Hanley).  After the death of his first wife, Faulk married Bessie Evans in 1921.  They were the parents of one daughter, Mrs. Patricia Gene Billingsley.

Faulk attended public school in his home community.  After high school graduation, he taught one year in Lafayette Parish, then attended Centenary College for two years before returning to Lafayette Parish for three years as a teacher.  He then attended Louisiana State Normal College where he received his Bachelor's Degree in 1904.  He returned to Lafayette Parish where he was Principal of Broussard School from 1904 to 1909.

From 1909 to 1913, Faulk was Principal of Coushatta High School in Red River Parish.  For the next three years, he was a salesman for a school supply company.  In 1916, he became Principal of Indian Bayou School in Vermilion Parish.  During this time, he was also engages in rice farming and cattle raising.

In 1922, Faulk became Superintendent of the Lafayette Parish Schools.  While serving as Superintendent, he attended summer school and received the Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1924 and the Master of Arts Degree from Louisiana State University in 1933.  He remained Superintendent until his death in 1942.  The J.W. Faulk School was named in his honor.

Oden Hebert

1942-1946

Oden Hebert, son of Oneil Hebert and Agnes Toups, was born Dec. 15, 1892, in Milton, LA.  He and wife, the former Elise Geneaux, were the parents of two daughters, Grace Lejeune and Dorothy (Mrs. Charles Begnaud, Sr.) who died in 1976.

After attending public schools, Hebert attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana, and in 1914, began his teaching career at Chacahoula in Terrebonne Parish where he remained for two years.  He then came to Lafayette Parish where for the next two years served as Principal of the Verot School.  He then became Principal of Milton High School and remained for ten years after which he was Principal of Carencro High School for fourteen years.

In Nov. 1942, Hebert was appointed Superintendent of Education to succeed J.W. Faulk and served until 1946 when he retired.

He served in the United States Army during World War I and also served on the Advisory Board for Selective Training and for the War Finance Program during World War II.  He was active in the Stanley Martin Felix Ducrest American Legion Post.  He was a member of the Lions CLub and of the Knights of Columbus.

Hebert died June 5, 1968 in Lafayette.

Mike Donlon was President of the School Board when Hebert was appointed Superintendent.  In 1944, R.H. Hohorst was elected President of the School Board and remained in that position until 1946.

Andrew Arthur McBride

1946-1948

Andrew Arthur McBride, the son of Aureliss McBride and Sophie Whittington, was born Apr. 18, 1878 in Lafayette.  After graduating from public schools of Lafayette, he attended Louisiana State University where he graduated in 1901.  He and his wife, Laura Melancon, had no children.

After obtaining a degree, McBride became a commandant at Rugby Academy of New Orleans.  He later returned to Lafayette as a teacher, then Principal at the old Southside School and the Central School.  Following this, for thirty years, he was Supervisor of Education.  In 1946, he was appointed Superintendent of Education and served in that position until 1948 when he retired from public education.

During his tenure in education, McBride advocated and successfully worked for the abolishment of the operation of small schools operated by separate school districts and the establishment of a parish-wide school system.  He was a prime mover and supporter of Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) to have it located in Lafayette rather in New Iberia.  It was while he was Principal of the old Southside School that, through his encouragement, Marie Himel, a teacher at the school, started a "soup kitchen" to furnish a warm meal to school children.  This was the beginning of what is today a statewide program.

After retiring from the school system, Mr. Mac, as he was affectionately known, became associated with James Alpha in the publication of a weekly newspaper, The Lafayette Progress.  The publication was later acquired by the Daily Advertiser, and Mr. Mac continued with the newspaper as an employee until 1964, when he once again retired.

John Clovis Landry

1948-1957

John Clovis Landry, the son of John Henry Landry and Cecilia Duhon, was born Apr. 4, 1896 in Lafayette Parish.  In 1902, he started school at a one room school in Meaux near Judice.  After two or three weeks, a tornado demolished the school.  It was at this time that N.P. Moss, President of the Lafayette Parish School Board, and Alcide Judice, member, puts seats in a wagon, covered it with canvas, and had the children transported to a new school in Scott.  In relating this incident, Landry stated that during his many years in education, he inquired at national meetings and was unable to find any other school system in the nation that had transported children to and from school as early as 1902.  He believes that Lafayette Parish was the first school system in the nation to have transportation for their students.

After high school graduation, Landry attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) for a two year academic course, then remained for six months to get a teacher's certificate.  In the fall of 1917, he became Principal of a school in Jefferson Parish.  In November, he left to serve in the United States Army until 1919.  That fall, he became Principal at Meaux School in Vermilion Parish.  One year later he came to Lafayette Parish where he was Principal of the Verot School for two years.  During that time, he attended summer sessions at USL receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1922.  He then became Principal of Broussard High School where he remained for fifteen years.  During this time, he attended Louisiana State University and received his Master of Arts degree in 1933.

While at LSU, Landry met his wife Lillie Montz and they had four daughters: Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. Lloyd Maraist), Margaret (Mrs. William Larrivierre), Katharine Cecile (Mrs. Thomas M. Miles), and Johnie Theresa (Mrs. Pierre R. Viguerie).

In 1937, he went to Youngsville High School as Principal where he remained for ten years.  He then went to the School Board Office as a Supervisor.  The following year he was appointed Superintendent of Education at Lafayette Parish.  During his tenure as Superintendent, Landry was a prime mover in the consolidation of the high schools of the parish.  He also started the movement of building functional one story schools on large acreage.  During an interview, Landry mentioned that during his tenure, land was donated by different families for the building of the following schools:  Lafayette High School, L.J. Alleman School and Montgomery Elementary School.  He stated that at all other times, at least during the twentieth century, the property for schools has been purchased.

Other innovations introduced during Landry's tenure were the establishment of Special Education and Guidance programs for students, and the practice of centralized planning and directing of the parish school lunch program.  He retired in 1957.

Landry has long been active in many civic and professional organizations.  In the 1930's he was one of the organizers of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.  He organized a Boy Scout troop in Broussard in 1923, and one in Youngsville in 1938.  He is a charter member of American Legion Post 69 in Lafayette and of V.F. W. 2103.  After World War II, he was a chairman of the Advisory Board of the Selective Service in Lafayette Parish and chairman of the Job Placement Bureau.  For these services, he received a citation from President Truman.

L.A. Bourgeois was President of the Board at the time Landry was appointed Superintendent.  He served until 1949, when F.G. Lindsay was elected President of the Board.  He remained as President during the rest of Landry's tenure.

Robert Lee Browne

1957-1965

Robert Lee Browne, son of Dr. Albert Roe Browne and Emma Sargenia Reitzell, was born November 2, 1899 in Lake End, LA.  He married Sarah Winona Gueno and they were the parents of one daughter, Anne (Mrs. Robert Wallace).

Browne attended public school and college at the Louisiana State Normal College where he received his teaching diploma in 1917.  He then went to Lake Charles as a teacher for one year.  From 1919 to 1924, he was a coach at DeRidder High School.

In 1924, Browne came to the University of Southwestern Louisiana where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1925.  He remained at the University until 1950 during which time he was Assistant Professor, Track Coach, Dean of Men, Athletic Director, Professor and Head of the Department of Health and Physical Education.  While at the University, Browne attended Louisiana State University and received his Master of Arts degree in 1934.  He also did advanced studies at the University of Iowa and at Columbia University.

Brown went to McNeese State College in Lake Charles as Dean od Admissions and of the Division of Education.  In 1957, he was appointed Superintendent of Education of Lafayette Parish Schools.

Browne was active in many organizations thoughout his career, holding office in several college and athletic associations.  He was the founder of the Southwestern Relay Carnival and was at one time listed in Who's Who in American Universities.  He was awarded a life membership by the National Council of Teachers and Parents for his many years of service and leadership in the field of education.  He was also awarded a plaque by the Louisiana Athletic Association for distinguished service to high school athletics.

He was presented the Silver Beaver by the Boy Scouts of America for his more than fifty years of service and leadership in the organization.  He was a member of the American Legion and held offices on the local, state and national level.  He was a member of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce.  He served on committees and participated in drives in several civic and charitable organizations, and was President of the United States Givers Fund in 1963-1964.

Browne died April 9, 1972 in Lafayette.

Rose Evans was President of the School Board at the time of Browne's appointment as Superintendent.  In 1960, Ben Freeman was elected President and in 1961, Walter Trahan succeeded Freeman as President.

Frank Charles Delana

1965-1971

Frank Charles Delana, the son of Frank Delana and Rita Fabre, was born Jan. 9, 1907 in Broussard, LA.  After graduating from Broussard High School, he attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1928.  He began his teaching career in 1929 as teacher and coach.  In 1939, he married Lena Bernard.  They were the parents of two daughters: Sharon and Paulette.  After the death of his first wife he married Helen Ortego in 1968.

In 1939, Delana went to teach at Carencro High School and remained there until the spring of 1942, when he went to teach at Lafayette High School.  In the fall of 1942, he became Principal of Carencro High School.  From 1943 to 1945, he served in the United States Army.  He returned to Carencro as Principal and served in that capacity until 1948 when he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of the Lafayette Parish Schools.

In 1965, he was appointed Superintendent of schools to succeed Browne, remaining in that capacity until his retirement in 1971.

Walter Trahan was President of the School Board when Delana was appointed Superintendent.  In 1966, George Dupuis was elected President of the School Board and served during the remainder of Delana's tenure.

Paul Broussard

1971-1973

Paul Broussard, the son of Emedis Broussard and Olympe Picard, was born Nov. 9, 1912 in Youngsville, LA.  He and his wife Helen had no children.

After graduating from Youngsville High School, Broussard attended the University Southwestern Louisiana until 1934 when he became teacher and principal at the Verot School for one year.  He then taught at Judice High School and continued to attend the University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1937.  That year, he went to Youngsville High School where he was coach and Assistant Principal.  In 1943, he entered the United States Army where he taught and served as Personal Affairs Counselor.  In 1946, he returned to Youngsville High School as Principal and remained there until 1958.  In 1958, he went to Carencro High School as Principal and served until 1965. 

In 1965, Broussard was appointed Assistant Superintendent of the Lafayette Parish Schools and served in that capacity until he was officially appointed Superintendent on Oct. 20, 1972, when he succeeded Delana as Superintendent.  Broussard retired in 1973.

He was active in numerous educational organizations.  Among the offices he held were:  President of the Lafayette Parish Teacher Association, President of the Lafayette Principals Association, and President of Phi Delta Kappa.

Broussard died on Jan. 26, 1995 in Lafayette.

George Dupuis, Sr. was President of the School Board during Broussard's tenure as Superintendent.

Harold H. Gauthe

1973-1981

Harold Hubert Gauthe, son of Paul Gauthe and Anna Blanchard, was born in Napoleonville, Louisiana and attended school in New Orleans, graduating from Fortier High School. He attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana and received the Bachelor of Arts Degree Summa Cum Laude in 1949. He received the Master of Arts Degree at Louisiana State University and did advanced studies at the University of Southwestern Louisiana and Louisiana State University. 

Mr. Gauthe and his wife, the former Dorothy Kampman, are the parents of three children: Michael, Steven and Janice (Mrs. Michael Menard). 

After graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Mr. Gauthe taught there for a semester before going to McNeese State College to teach. He remained at McNeese State College until 1957, then came to Lafayette as Supervisor of Elementary Education. He held that position until 1971, when he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Education. In 1973, Mr. Gauthe was appointed Superintendent, a position he held until 1981. 

Mr. Gauthe has been active in educational organizations. He is a member of numerous organizations. He has been President of the Louisiana School Supervisors' Association and of the Association for Student Teaching. He served as a member of the Executive Council of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for six years and was Chairman of the Association's Committee on Elementary School Affiliation for two years. As a result of his interest in the association, every elementary school in Lafayette Parish has been accredited by the association. He has long been active in promoting the development of a library in every school in the parish and in 1967 received the Louisiana Association of School Librarians' Award for school library promotion. 

Mr. Gauthe served for 30 years in the United States Navy during World War II. He served a four year term as Alderman in Scott and was at one time President of the Rotary Club in Scott. 

Mr. George Dupuis, Sr. was President of the School Board at the time of Mr. Gauthe's appointment as Superintendent. In 1974 Mr. J. Maxie Broussard was elected to succeed Mr. Dupuis and served in that capacity until 1978. In 1979 Mr. Herman C. Clause was elected President of the Board and in 1980 was followed by Mr. Preston J. Babineaux who served during the remainder of Mr. Gauthe's tenure.

Wayne F. Vasher

1981-1987

Wayne Francis Vasher, the oldest son of Bernard Harold Vasher and Verrannah D. Johnson, was born on July 24, 1932 in Wyandotte, Michigan. He married Pearl Carolyn Cesar and they are the parents of four children - Andre, Brendan, Barry, and Katrina. 

Dr. Vasher attended public schools from kindergarten through grade 12 in Wyandotte, Michigan. After graduation from high school in 1951, he entered Eastern Michigan College where he received his teaching certificate and Bachelor's Degree in 1955.  He began his teaching career in Highland Park, Michigan, and in 1960 received his Master of Arts Degree from Eastern Michigan College. 

Dr. Vasher was appointed to an assistant principal position in 1960 in Highland park and received his first principalship in 1962 in Lamphere, Michigan. 

In the 1966-67 school year, Dr. Vasher left public school work to pursue his doctoral program full time at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. 

After serving as Superintendent of Schools in two Michigan school districts from 1972 to 1981, Dr. Vasher was appointed to serve as Superintendent of Lafayette Parish Schools, Lafayette, Louisiana, in January, 1981. It was under his leadership that the majority of a $70,000,000 building renovation program was completed... a program that provided every Lafayette Parish student with an air-conditioned, new or refurbished facility. It was under Dr. Vasher's leadership that Administrative Internship Programs were established and teachers became involved in the administrative selection process. Achievement test scores during this period also increased rapidly indicating improvement in instruction at all levels. Two schools were selected to receive the President's Education in Excellence Award in the 1985-86 school year. 

On January 27, 1987 Dr. Vasher resigned his position in Lafayette to assume a superintendency in Saginaw, Michigan, to be closer to his family and grandchildren. 

Mr. Preston J. Babineaux was President of the Board at the time of Dr. Vasher's appointment and served until his death in March, 1982 at which time Mr. Jerome Bourque was elected President of the School Board. He served until 1983 and in 1984 was followed by Mr. Stanley Andrus who served for one year. In 1985, Mr. Daniel Aucoin was elected President and served during the remainder of Dr. Vasher's tenure. 

Allen W. Meyers

1987-1989

Allen William Meyers, son of Allen Joseph Meyers and Imelga Lydia Boya, was born in New Orleans on September 2, 1926, and was educated in the Orleans Parish Public Schools. He graduated from Samuel J. Peters High School and attended LSU through 1950 and transferred to Southwestern Louisiana Institute (SLI) in 1950. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in June, 1953, a Master's degree in 1960, and a Master's Plus 30 hours in 1967. Besides being academically oriented, he also was an outstanding football player and earned all
conference quarterback honors in 1952. 

Mr. Meyers is presently married to Jo Ann Woodham Meyers. He has two children by a previous marriage, three stepchildren and three grandchildren. 

After graduating from Southwestern Louisiana Institute, Mr. Meyers became a teacher/coach at St. Paul's (Covington), Lafayette High and Northside High where he taught American History, civics, physical education and health education. During his teaching career, he served as a Supervisor of Student Teachers for the USL Education Department for over twelve (12) years. 

In 1966, he began his administrative career as Assistant Principal at Judice High School and remained in that position for three (3) years. He was appointed Principal at Judice Elementary when Judice High and Scott High Schools were consolidated into Acadiana High School. In 1970, Mr. Meyers was appointed Principal at Lafayette High during the court ordered desegregation period and was there for three (3) years. 

He was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Lafayette Parish Schools in 1973 and served in that position until January, 1987 when he was named Acting Superintendent. In May, 1987 he was appointed by the Board to the Superintendent's position. He retired in June of 1989 after serving public education for thirty-five (35) years. 

During Mr. Meyers's tenure as Superintendent, he developed open communication with all segments of the community and developed a major reorganization of the Central Office. He led the drive for the passage of the one-half cent sales tax and for the passage of a 10 mills property tax to remove all asbestos in Lafayette Parish schools. 

Mr. Daniel Aucoin was President of the School Board at the time of Mr. Meyers' appointment as Superintendent. In 1988, Mr. Allen Dugas was elected to succeed Mr. Aucoin and in 1989, Mrs. Colleen H. Andrus was elected and served as President of the Board during the remainder of Mr. Meyers' tenure.

Max S. Skidmore

1989-1995

Max S. Skidmore, son of Marvin Skidmore and Arlene Ryan, was born in Decatur, AL, and graduated from Priceville High School.  He attended the University of Alabama and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Birmingham Southern College in 1961.  He received the Master of Arts degree from the University of Alabama and the Ed.D. degree from the University of Florida.

Dr. Skidmore and his wife, the former Barbara Napps, have one son, Stephen.

After graduating from college and attending graduate school at Duke University, Dr. Skidmore taught eighth grade science and was an elementary school Principal in Decatur.  His professional experience has included serving as Principal, Superintendent of School Districts in North Carolina and Alabama, and executive positions with the Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia.  He was appointed Superintendent of Lafayette Parish on July 1, 1989 and served through June 30, 1995.

He was extremely active in professional organizations and local units of educational administrative organizations.

Colleen H. Andrus was President of the School Board at the time of Dr. Skidmore's appointment and served until 1990 when Dudley Duhon was elected President of the School board.  In 1991, Dr. Huey McCauley was elected President, followed by Junius Andres who was elected in 1992.  In 1993, Michael Hefner was elected President and in 1994 Clarence Baldridge was elected President of the Board.  In 1995, John Earl Guidry was elected as President of the Board and served during the remainder of Dr. Skidmore's tenure.

Geraldine Caillier

May 4-June 30, 1995 & July 1-31, 1997

Geraldine "Jerri" Caillier, daughter of Henry Raphael and Sylvania Vallot, was born in Abbeville, LA.  She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School in Abbeville and Holy Rosary Institute High School in Lafayette.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Education degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette).

She is married to Dr. James Caillier and they are the parents of three children, Jennifer, Gerard and Sylvia.

Caillier taught in St. Landry and Lafayette Parish.  She has served as a special education teacher, coordinator, placement officer, Assistant Superintendent for Student and Community Services, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services and as Acting Superintendent of Lafayette Parish Schools.  She was then returned to her former position as Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services.  She completed Dr. Skidmore's and Dr. Bush's terms of office.

John Earl Guidry was President of the School Board during Caillier's 1995 tenure as Acting Superintendent.  DeAnne Henke was President of the School Board during Caillier's 1997 tenure as Acting Superintendent.

Dr. Owen Bush

1995-1997

Owen C. Bush, son of Clinton C. and Frances Compton Bush, was born in Macon, Georgia on Sept. 23, 1946.  The oldest of two sons of a career Air Force serviceman, he attended schools throughout the United States before graduating in 1964 from Lompoc High School in Lompoc, CA.  He received his undergraduate degree in History from Florida State University in 1968, and earned a Master of Arts in Education (1972) and Specialist degree in Educational Administration (1978) from the Citadel in Charleston, SC.  He received his Doctorate degree in Educational Administration at the University of South Carolina in 1986.

Dr. Bush married the former Jewell Ballentine of St. Stephen, SC, and they had one daughter, Amber.

After graduating from Florida State University, he taught reading, english, and social studies at the elementary and high school levels in a rural South Carolina school.  After receiving his Master's degree he went on to serve as a Principal and Assistant Superintendent.  Prior to coming to Lafayette, Dr. Bush had been Superintendent of several districts in South Carolina and New York.  Before he was appointed Superintendent of Lafayette Parish Schools on July 1, 1995, Dr. Bush served as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Personnel, and Facilities for the school system.

Dr. Bush was a member of many professional, civic, and fraternal organizations at the local, state, and national levels.

John Earl Guidry was President of the School Board at the time of Dr. Bush's appointment.

Dr. Michael Zolkoski

1997-2000

Michael E. Zolkoski, son of Edward and Marilyn Reinhourd Zolkoski, was born in San Antonio, Texas, on Sept. 16, 1947.  He received his Bachelor of Science and Master degrees from Southwest Texas State University, Doctorate of Education from California Coast University and Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin.

He had taught in the areas of math, physics and tennis.  He also had professional experience as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, educational consultant and Superintendent.

Dr. Zolkoski is married to the former Donna Dybowski and they had two children, Michelle and Shawn.

He was active in numerous professional, civic and community organizations, has published a variety of articles and has received numerous awards.

DeAnne Henke was President of the School Board at the time of Dr. Zolkoski's appointment.

Burnell Lemoine

Oct. 2000 - Jan. 2001

Burnell F. Lemoine, son of Alonzo J. and Verdie Bielkiewicz Lemoine, was born in Marksville, Louisiana on April 24, 1945.  Mr. Lemoine earned his Bachelor Degree  from Centenary College, Shreveport, Louisiana in 1968, his Master of Education from University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1978, and his +30 from Northwestern State University, Nicholls State University, Southern University, Louisiana Tech and University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

After graduating from Centenary College, Lemoine taught at LaRose Cut-Off Junior High School and Marksville High School.  In 1979, he was Principal of Marksville High School for five years.  Then in 1984 until 1986 he was Director of Federal Programs in Avoyelles Parish School Board and then became Superintendent of Schools in Avoyelles Parish in 1986 until 1991.

Lemoine has been employed with the Lafayette Parish School System since 1991 as an Acting Assistant Principal, Acting Principal, Director of Instructional and Federal Programs, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, and Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer.  In October 2000, he served as Interim Superintendent until January 2001. 

He has chaired many conferences, committees and inservices, and developed C.A.P.S. - Continuing Academic Program for Students - an alternative setting for students recommended for expulsion.  He co-developed P.A.C.E. - Primary Academic & Creative Experiences: Building an Artists' Residency Program - the goal of PACE is to foster the cognitive, motor, social-emotional and language development of young children through meaningful opportunities in the arts; and the Lafayette Charter High School - a quality high school education for all students, but especially for at-risk students and high school students in danger of dropping out.  He is a member of many professional, committee and community organizations.

Carl LaCombe has been President of the School Board during Lemoine's tenure as  Superintendent.

James H. Easton, Ed.D.

January, 2001 - June, 2007

James H. Easton, son of Booker and Mahalie Easton, was born in South Bend, Indiana. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Manchester College, his Master's Degree from University of Tennessee and his Educational Doctorate Degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Easton is married to Alnetta R. Theriot, a native of Franklin, Louisiana. They have four sons, Jimmy, Scott, Sean and Steven.

Dr. Easton is a competent leader with a track record of good powers of observation, curriculum design and delivery, a team player (leads by example), enthusiastic, careful in meeting deadlines and calm during a crisis. He has a progressive career path with positions of increasing responsibility, such as, Teacher, College Supervisor of Student Teachers, High School Principal, Executive Director for Community Education, Regional Director of Transportation and Director of Secondary Education.

He has worked with executive boards in planning budgets, establishing standards in operational policy and opening lines of communication between system leader and community organization.

Carl LaCombe was President of the School Board at the time of Dr. Easton's appointment.

Burnell Lemoine

July 2007 - December 2011

Burnell F. Lemoine, son of Alonzo J. and Verdie Bielkiewicz Lemoine, was born in Marksville, Louisiana on April 24, 1945.  Mr. Lemoine earned his Bachelor Degree  from Centenary College, Shreveport, Louisiana in 1968, his Master of Education from University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1978, and his +30 from Northwestern State University, Nicholls State University, Southern University, Louisiana Tech and University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

After graduating from Centenary College, Lemoine taught at LaRose Cut-Off Junior High School and Marksville High School.  In 1979, he was Principal of Marksville High School for five years.  Then in 1984 until 1986 he was Director of Federal Programs in Avoyelles Parish School Board and then became Superintendent of Schools in Avoyelles Parish in 1986 until 1991.

Lemoine has been employed with the Lafayette Parish School System since 1991 as an Acting Assistant Principal, Acting Principal, Director of Instructional and Federal Programs, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, and Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer.  In October 2000, he served as Interim Superintendent until January 2001. 

He has chaired many conferences, committees and inservices, and developed C.A.P.S. - Continuing Academic Program for Students - an alternative setting for students recommended for expulsion.  He co-developed P.A.C.E. - Primary Academic & Creative Experiences: Building an Artists' Residency Program - the goal of PACE is to foster the cognitive, motor, social-emotional and language development of young children through meaningful opportunities in the arts; and the Lafayette Charter High School - a quality high school education for all students, but especially for at-risk students and high school students in danger of dropping out.  He is a member of many professional, committee and community organizations.

Carl LaCombe has been President of the School Board during Lemoine's tenure as  Superintendent.

DR. PAT COOPER, SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Cooper received his education at LSU in Baton Rouge with the following degrees:  Bachelor of Science in Biology/Physics;  Master of Education in  Special Education (Emotionally Disturbed); Specialist of Education in Special Education Administration; and a Doctorate of Education in Administration from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado.

His certification areas are biology, general science, physics and socially maladjusted and emotionally disturbed.  Other areas of certification are Principal, Supervisor of Instruction and City/Parish Local Superintendent.

Dr. Cooper began his career as an Educational Supervisor at Blundon Home in Baton Rouge, an institution for delinquent and maladjusted children.  He worked as a Supervisor of student teachers at Southern University and LSU, and later returned to the classroom as a teacher at Valley Park Junior High in Baton Rouge.

He  has worked with the Louisiana State Department of Education as a State Supervisor of Program for the Emotionally Disturbed and Autistic; as a Director in the Bureau of Program Specialists; an Assistant Superintendent in Office of Special Education Services; and Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services.

Dr. Cooper has worked as a Principal at Southeast Louisiana State Hospital in Mandeville and as an Adjunct Professor at LSU, Southern University, Southeastern University and also at Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas.

He has served as an Executive Assistant to the Chancellor at LSU, an Executive Director for the National School Health Education Coalition (NaSHEC) in Washington, D.C., and as a Senior Education Program Consultant at Kennedy Institute.

Dr. Cooper has been a Superintendent in West Feliciana Parish and McComb School District in McComb, Mississippi.

Prior to becoming the Superintendent of the Lafayette Parish School System, he was the CEO of the Early Childhood and Family Learning Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dr. Cooper  has a saying “Children are waiting”.  He takes it to heart. His goal is to have 100% of  students complete high school with opportunity and hope, a“win-win” for all parts of the community.

Shelton J. Cobb was President of the School Board at the time of Dr. Cooper’s appointment.

Burnell LeJeune

November 10, 2014 - May 20, 2015

Mr. LeJeune received the following degrees from University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, Louisiana: Bachelor of Science in Vocational Agriculture Education; and Masters in Administration and Supervision/Adult Education.

After completing his education he taught Vocational Agriculture/Science at Acadiana High School, and Vocational Agriculture at Franklin High School.

Mr.. LeJeune’s administrative career began as an Assistant Principal at Carencro High School. He then became the Instructional Supervisor for Vocational Education.

After being in the Central Office for a few years, he became the Principal at L. J. Alleman Middle School. The next career step was as an Instructional Supervisor for Career and Technical Education, followed by the Director of Career & Technical Education/Schools of Choice.

Hunter Beasley was President of the School Board at the time of Mr. LeJeune’s appointment as Interim Superintendent.  

Dr. Donald W. Aguillard, Superintendent

Dr. Donald W. Aguillard begins his tenure as Superintendent of Schools for the Lafayette Parish School System on May 18, 2015. As Chief Education Officer, Dr. Aguillard manages the district's $425 million budget and a staff of over 3,500 employees.  The school district utilizes 43 campuses to provide educational services to approximately 30,500 students.

Prior to Dr. Aguillard’s appointment, he served nearly eleven years as Superintendent for the St. Mary Parish School Board. Twenty-eight years of earlier work experience in Lafayette included classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, area director, and district administrator.  One of his unwavering core beliefs is that school improvement is achievable through deliberate action.

Dr. Aguillard earned a bachelor’s degree (1975) in secondary science education, a master’s degree (1978) in curriculum, and an educational specialist degree (1981) in administration/supervision from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.  In 1998, he completed his doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from Louisiana State University.

Under his leadership, the district will embrace a data-driven, results-oriented culture of best educational practices to strengthen teaching and learning. The superintendent’s vision is that we will work tirelessly to transform the Lafayette Parish School System in an “A” rated district.

Dr. Aguillard is married to Karen Wyatt.  Karen retired in 2011 from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she was an instructor within the Mathematics Department. He and his wife, Karen, have three grown sons – William, Wyatt, and Michael Johnson.