BATON ROUGE – Twelve of the state’s school superintendents met with Gov. Bobby Jindal and staff leaders recently to discuss proposed changes to improve K-12 education in Louisiana.

The superintendents report that the governor took time to explain key aspects of his reform program, including school choice, teacher flexibility and assessments, student testing, accountability and early childhood education.

“This is the first time that a group of superintendents have had a meeting of this magnitude with our governor. It is evident that Gov. Jindal wants to make substantive changes in our education system with the purpose of improving public education in this state and helping our children achieve greater success,” said Michael Faulk, superintendent of the Central Community School System and one of the 12 superintendents in the meeting.

“After having this meeting, we have a much better understanding of the governor’s proposals. There is much common ground that we share, and the doors have been opened for further discussion of the details,” Faulk said.

The other districts represented in the meeting by their superintendents included Ascension, Assumption, Calcasieu, East Feliciana, Iberville, Lincoln, Rapides, St. James, St. John the Baptist, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.

Faulk said the group voiced support for greater flexibility for school administrations to ensure the placement of highly effective teachers in each classroom.

The superintendents agreed with placing a greater emphasis on early childhood learning programs and the implementation of accountability measures at that level.

“The group also believes the governor’s discussions on accountability for schools receiving scholarships are showing promise,” he said.

“We certainly agree that every student and family deserves a strong educational opportunity,” Faulk said. “There is much good that can come out of the governor’s efforts to prioritize education.”

“The state’s superintendents want to work closely with the governor and his staff to institute proven, meaningful reform in our education system. I believe we’re making progress with that effort, and ultimately, our children will benefit from it,” he said.