In three short years, we have elevated our status as a school system to a “B” rating in the latest Louisiana Department of Education rankings.

With 81 percent of our students classified as economically disadvantaged, we have set and held students and our employees to high standards.

We are the only system that has earned a “B” rating with at least 81 percent of its students categorized as such.

There is no secret to what we do in St. John the Baptist Parish. Several of our teachers and administrators presented at the past two statewide Teacher Leader Institutes, because people around the state want to know how we are achieving such gains.

For three consecutive years, we have had a teacher who has been recognized as a semifinalist for Teacher of the Year for the state of Louisiana, as well as a principal who earned that distinction this year.

Our pillars for our foundation have not changed, as we take goal-setting, observation and feedback, collaboration and assessment and curriculum seriously in St. John the Baptist Parish. By honing our instructional skills focused on teaching and learning, we are creating a culture of excellence.

Our image is changing as more and more people are taking notice of the positive changes that have occurred over the past three years.

Consecutive years of growth in our graduation rates, along with an increase in our ACT scores, demonstrate that we are giving more students an opportunity for post-graduation success.

For the upcoming year, we have new initiatives that include Health Clinics at three of our schools, giving our students and employees instant access to health care professionals.

Monthly Patron School Visits will allow business and community leaders to get an inside glimpse of the culture, climate and quality of our schools. Business and Industry Breakfast Meetings will allow business and industry leaders to get updates and provide input to administration as to the needs of its workforce.

We are also working with the St. John Business Association to provide representation on our Finance Committee.

Multiple grants, including Principal Support, Multiple Teaching Solutions and Early Childhood, have been sought and received by the district to help enhance teaching and learning. We have partnered with the parish’s economic development director and the director of South Central Louisiana Technical College to enhance opportunities for our students, and we have continued to work closely with the River Region Chamber of Commerce.

We will continue on our journey of becoming a Top 10 School System, but we need your help.

Whether you are a parent, civic or business leader, elected official or a citizen, we need and welcome your support. Only when we work as one will we attain the level of success this parish deserves.

I welcome you on that journey.

Kevin R. George is superintendent of St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools. He can be reached at 985-536-1106 or kgeorge@stjohn.k12.la.us.