St. Bernard School Board Attends 88th Annual Louisiana School Board Association Conference-2026

St. Bernard School Board Attends 88th Annual Louisiana School Board Association Conference

The St. Bernard Parish School Board recently attended the 88th Annual Louisiana School Boards Association Conference, joining education leaders from across the state for this year’s theme, “Leaving a Legacy: Stewardship, Relationships and Leadership.” The annual conference provides school board members with opportunities to strengthen governance practices, collaborate on key issues in public education, and enhance leadership in service of students and communities.

This year’s conference held special significance for St. Bernard Parish, as School Board Vice President Dr. Katherine Lemoine presided as President of the Louisiana School Boards Association. In her leadership role, Lemoine helped guide and organize the statewide event, representing the district and its continued commitment to educational excellence.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as LSBA President and to represent St. Bernard Parish at the state level,” Lemoine said. “This conference is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together to support our students, strengthen our schools, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

St. Bernard Parish also took center stage during the conference’s many events, providing featured student entertainment. Talented students from Chalmette High School, including members of the Fighting Owl Band, JROTC, and cast members from the CHS Voices’ recent production of Les Misérables, showcased their skills and school pride before an audience of educators and leaders from across Louisiana.

In addition to student performances, the district celebrated creativity and artistic talent as Kalil Johnson of N.P. Trist Middle School earned second place in the statewide Visual Arts Competition (grades 6–8) for his watercolor piece, “Serenity in the Swamp.”

Superintendent Doris Voitier was also recognized at the conference as one of the longest-serving superintendents in the state, honored for her decades of leadership and lasting impact on public education. In alignment with the conference theme, Voitier was celebrated for the legacy she continues to build through her vision, resilience, and commitment to student success over the past two decades.

St. Bernard Parish educators also contributed to the conference’s professional learning sessions, with Supervisor of Special Education Joseph Cipollone and Superintendent Doris Voitier teaming up to present on the partnership between the LSU PAYCheck Program and the LEAP Connect Dual Enrollment Program. Their session provided an in-depth look at how the St. Bernard Parish Public School system is creating meaningful employment pathways for Chalmette High School students with intellectual and developmental disabilities - through inclusive college campus experiences paired with immersive, real-world skills training, highlighting the program’s success and impact.

The conference also provided an opportunity to honor longtime service and leadership. School Board President Diana Dysart was recognized by LSBA for her remarkable 44 years of service on the St. Bernard Parish School Board. Her decades of dedication have helped shape the district and positively impact generations of students and families.

St. Bernard Parish Public Schools is proud to be represented at the state level through both leadership and innovation, continuing to build on a legacy of excellence in education.