Spring 2025 
NAESP National Leaders and NASSP Advocacy Conference
On March 9, 2025, principals across the nation met in Washington, D.C. for the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference. This conference is a joint conference of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Approximately 400 principals across the country met to build attendees’ leadership skills, to build knowledge around how federal policies and programs impact principals and schools, and to learn how to advocate on these issues.
Your Louisiana representatives in the above picture are Kelli Oertling, NAESP State Representative; Samuel Smith, NASSP State Coordinator; Karen Triche, LAP Executive Director; and Martin Guillory, Federal & State Relations Coordinator.
Representative Troy Carter and LAP representatives.
Senator Kennedy's office and LAP representatives.
Announcements
DON'T MISS THIS IMPORTANT MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT!!
Due to rising costs, the LAP Board of Directors is adjusting LAP’s Membership Dues Structure for the 2025-2026 year. This is the first adjustment in 7 years. The Louisiana Association of Principals strives to continue to offer our members high standards and exceptional services.
Individual Membership: $225
President's Message
Stella Arabie
Dear Administrators of Louisiana,
As we enter Spring 2025, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and commend the tremendous dedication and leadership you and your staff have demonstrated in shaping the educational experience for students across Louisiana. Your unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement plays an integral role in creating positive learning environments where students can grow and learn every day.
This season brings with it both an opportunity for reflection and anticipation of the future. We recognize that this time of year often involves both the excitement of wrapping up the academic year and preparing for the next. Whether your school is gearing up for standardized assessments, planning for end-of-year celebrations, or reflecting on achievements and challenges, we stand with you in your efforts to ensure that every student’s potential is fully realized.
I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few upcoming initiatives and resources available to support your leadership throughout the year with Louisiana Association of Principals:
- Professional Development: We will also continue to host our annual events including our Fall Annual Conference, Clerical Conference, New Principal’s workshops, Aspiring Administrators training and Assistant Prinicipal’s Workshops, some free or reduced charges for members.
- Community Engagement: We encourage school-based leaders to foster stronger ties with their communities, and we are working on a range of initiatives that will allow schools to collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders to further enrich students' educational experiences.
- State Resources: Please take advantage of the resources available through our LAP website (https://laprincipals.org) and social media (Facebook) which can support your school’s specific needs and goals for the remaining school year and beyond.
We understand the complexities of school leadership and want to continue working with you to enhance the quality of education in our state. Your insights and feedback are invaluable, and we encourage you to share any thoughts or ideas that could help us better serve your school community.
Thank you once again for your dedication and leadership. I look forward to continuing our partnership in the months ahead.
Your LAP President,
Stella Arabie, Ed.D.
Guest Article
The Principal Time Audit
Tracking what they do each day can help principals figure out where to make changes that align their time with their goals.
From The Desk of The Executive Director
Karen Triche
Greetings,
As we move into spring with the beauty and turbulence this season brings, it is my hope that we continue to prioritize educating children and those who lead them. Public education has become a focus as educators struggle to stay funded and supported during this politically charged time. As it seems that efforts are directed towards lessening support of education, we must dig in to support our most precious resources: our children and those who educate and lead them. We can do this through membership in this necessary and vital professional organization, LAP. Through the support of LAP via networking, professional development, empowerment, and advocacy we work collaboratively to provide the very best support possible as we move towards a greater state of knowing and then subsequently execution.
I want to clearly state that educating all students and supporting all school leaders is the premise of what LAP stands for. This is vital as we work to see through the forest and not just survive through these times but thrive and still meet our goals to move students forward to graduation and beyond.
I also want to take a moment to celebrate LAP’s advocacy team, which includes Hennessy Melancon, Samuel Smith, Martin Guillory, and Kelli Oertling. They represent education and leaders at BESE and LDOE meetings, monitor state and local elections that affect education, and work in tandem with our national partners in NASSP and NAESP in Washington DC as we communicate with our state senators and representatives.
Finally, as we approach this testing period, it is our hope that students perform exceptionally well. I hope that educators’ preparedness is demonstrated through student success and that all leaders offer the necessary support, stability, and educationally conducive climates necessary to soar.
Happy Testing, and I pray we all Finish Strong!
Karen M. Triche
Executive Director, LAP
CELL: 504.234.1249
FAX: 318.648.2990
LAP Phone: 318.648.2999
[email protected]
Welcome New Members
LAP
Acadia Parish
Jeffrey Corbello, Church Point Middle School
Jessica Theall, South Crowley Elementary
Ascension Parish
Heather Lalonde, East Ascension High School
East Baton Rouge Parish
Central Community School System
Michelle Lato, Central High School
Kim Papillion, Central High School
Lori Russell, Central Intermediate School
Zachary Community School District
Kristy Gilpin, Rollins Place Elementary
East Carroll Parish
Toriano Wells, General Trass High School
Evangeline Parish
Kelly Dunagan, Pine Prairie High School
Katherine Thibodeaux, Vidrine Elementary
Lafayette Parish
Deidra Zachary, Scott Middle School
Livingston Parish
Lauren Gourney, Denham Springs Junior High School
Melissa Wilson, Live Oak Junior High School
Rapides Parish
Jessica Alwell, Buckeye Elementary
St. James Parish
Stephanie Delaune, Vacherie Elementary
Terrebonne Parish
Michelle Chaisson, Broadmoor Elementary
Tracy Chauvin, Montegut Elementary School
Dene' Cunningham, Mulberry Elementary
Union Parish
Carrie Manning, D'Arbonne Woods Charter School
Mission Statement:
Mission Statement: To provide quality School-based Administrative Leadership for Louisiana schools through Professional Development, Legislation and Member Services.
LAP Office
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