Summer 2026 LAP Newsletter 
Louisiana Principals of the Year
2026-2027 Principals of the Year
Lauren Rentrop serves as Principal of Patterson Junior High School in Patterson, Louisiana, where she leads a vibrant learning community serving students in grades 5 through 8. Rentrop earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Education from Nicholls State University.
In 2019, Rentrop assumed leadership of Patterson Junior High during a challenging period when the school was identified as Urgent Intervention Required due to declining state assessment scores. Under her guidance, the school has achieved remarkable progress, growing 18.1 points over six years. In 2021, Patterson Junior High was recognized as a Comeback Campus for surpassing pre-pandemic performance levels, reflecting Rentrop’s commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement. Most recently, the 2025 Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) results ranked Patterson Junior High as the highest-performing middle school in St. Mary Parish.
In recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to student success, Rentrop was named the 2027 Louisiana Principal of the Year, one of the state's highest honors for educational leaders. This distinction reflects her dedication to improving outcomes for all students, strengthening instructional practices, and cultivating a positive school culture.
Looking ahead, Rentrop envisions continuing to elevate academic achievement while nurturing a collaborative school community that embraces innovation, equity, and excellence. Her goal is to ensure Patterson Junior High remains a place where students thrive both academically and personally.
Casey Cheramie is the principal of Raceland Lower Elementary School in Raceland, Louisiana, where she serves students in pre-kindergarten through second grade. With more than 25 years in education and six and a half years as a principal, she is committed to creating a supportive, structured learning environment where academic excellence and student well-being go hand in hand.
In 2026, Mrs. Cheramie was named the 2027 Louisiana Elementary Principal of the Year, recognizing her leadership, commitment to student achievement, and dedication to building a positive school culture. She was also recognized as the 2019 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Principals.
Mrs. Cheramie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Nicholls State University in 2001 and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Nicholls State University in 2016.
Her leadership is grounded in the belief that strong systems, clear expectations, and meaningful relationships are the foundation of effective schools. A point of pride in her work is cultivating a school culture where students and staff feel valued, supported, and connected, creating a true sense of belonging for all stakeholders.
Her educational priorities center on developing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. She emphasizes data-driven decision-making, high-quality instruction, and intentional support for student well-being to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment.
Terez LeBlanc is beginning her thirteenth year as an educational leader in Terrebonne Parish and her third year as principal of Houma Junior High School in Houma, Louisiana. Throughout her leadership career, she has demonstrated a commitment to school improvement, student achievement, and building strong school communities.
Under LeBlanc’s leadership at her previous assignment, Village East Elementary was recognized as a Louisiana Comeback School in 2022 and a Top Gains Honoree in 2023. During the 2023–2024 school year, she was named the Terrebonne Parish School District Elementary Principal of the Year. In her first year as principal of Houma Junior High School, the school achieved a 2.3-point increase in its School Performance Score, with Spring 2026 results projecting a 4.3-point increase. LeBlanc has since been recognized as Terrebonne Parish Middle School Principal of the Year and selected as the Louisiana State Middle School Principal of the Year.
LeBlanc earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Nicholls State University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. She began her teaching career in 1997 and has since served in a variety of educational and leadership roles.
At the state level, LeBlanc served on a Louisiana Department of Education committee that helped establish the EDL Alternative Pathway 4 program and mentored two participants during its implementation. Since 2024, she has also served as a principal mentor through the Novice Principal Academy. At the district level, she has been a member of the Superintendent’s Leadership Advisory Committee since 2022.
LeBlanc is dedicated to creating safe, welcoming schools where students can achieve, educators can grow, and families and communities are valued as essential partners. She remains committed to ensuring that every child is supported, challenged, and provided opportunities to succeed.
Dr. Holly Boffy is the principal of the W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center and E.J. Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette. She is a 2027 Louisiana State High School Principal of the Year and the 2010 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Holly Boffy’s career passion is to provide opportunities for students and educators to use their gifts to make the world a better place. She has served as the principal of the W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center in Lafayette, Louisiana since July 2020 and a Professor of Practice for Reach University since Fall 2023. The Career Center is a career and technical high school that serves as an extension of the high schools in the Lafayette Parish School System. Under Dr. Boffy’s leadership.
Dr. Boffy was elected to the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) in 2012, 2015, and 2019. In 2023 she was selected as the BESE President. Louisiana’s ranking on national indicators improved from 49th to 42nd under Dr. Boffy’s leadership. In 2022 Louisiana was number one in the nation for improvement in fourth grade reading growth according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
In 2026, Mrs. Boffy was named the 2027 Louisiana High Principal of the Year, recognizing her leadership. In 2010, Dr. Boffy was named the Louisiana State Teacher of the Year. Dr. Boffy earned National Board Certification in 2006. She also served as an adjunct instructor for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of West Alabama.
Congratulations to all the Winners and Finalist!
From The Desk of The Executive Director
Karen M. Triche | Executive Director
Greetings Administrators,
Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! Thank you for working tenaciously during this very short summer and smoldering heat to prepare for what I pray will be the best year ever.
Even amid MFP budget cuts, teacher shortages, and other challenges that can make the already herculean task of school leadership even more demanding, I know that your hard work and dedication will continue to make a meaningful difference and lead to positive outcomes for your school community.
Thank you for partnering with LAP as we continue to grow and work to bridge gaps, provide advocacy locally and nationally, and offer support to principals, assistant principals, and other school leaders throughout the state. The hard work and dedication you continually give is the most essential element in improving teaching and learning. Your work is evident as Louisiana continues to show improvement. We will continue to foster your “state of knowing” as we are committed to provide opportunities for continuous growth fueled through our conferences, workshops, collaborations, and brainstorming opportunities.
For the year 2026-27 we have an incredible lineup of events designed to support your leadership journey. Beginning in September, we will host our 75th Annual Conference: Leading with Lagniappe. Please plan to join us September 27–28 at the L’Auberge Resort and Casino in Baton Rouge. This milestone event features nine high-impact breakout sessions led by fellow Louisiana principals and district leaders on topics such as Using data to Set Goals and Accelerate Achievement, Steering from Harm: The Legal Perspective, and Stirring the Pot: Leading Through Change and Complexities to name a few. We encourage you to bring your leadership teams! Registration is officially open.
In November, the New Principals Workshop is evolving! To provide better access, we are transitioning from a single December workshop to multiple regional workshops hosted throughout the state. This workshop is not exclusive as none of our conferences or workshops are. It is meant to equip not only new principals but those that have been reassigned or need a refresher, and for aspiring principals, and assistant principals that want exposure. Additionally, this is an opportunity for any leader that wants the opportunity to collaborate and learn as they prepare to excel in school leadership. The first scheduled workshop will be in the Bossier City area on November 2nd with other dates and locations to be added to the schedule.
December 6th and 7th at the Doubletree Hotel in Lafayette will host the Annual Clerical Conference. This conference is designed for the clerical staff, secretaries, and bookkeepers to bolster them administratively and increase knowledge of school operations, goals, and their daily impact.
January 2027, our Assistant Principals Conference will take place January 25–26 at the L'Auberge Resort and Casino in Lake Charles. This event features collaborative table talks on Sunday evening and on Monday, breakout sessions tailored for APs, deans, and aspiring leaders hosted by proven school leaders.
LAP membership has its privileges, including member rates for conferences, free admission to New Principals Workshops throughout the state, free legal consultations, and up to $1 million in liability insurance for school related matters. LAP also strongly encourages affiliation with NAESP and/or NPA. Your rates for participation in the National Organizations, are discounted through LAP. Affiliation with them allows additional resources, national exposure, additional legal and liability insurance and other opportunities for acknowledgement for principals, assistant principals and aspiring leaders. LAP encourages all members to join one or both of the national organizations.
If you are not a current member or have never been affiliated, with LAP, we invite you and strongly encourage you to join our non-profit organization. We are the only state organization led by Louisiana Principals and Assistant principals, for Louisiana Principals, Assistant Principals, aspiring leaders and those holding leadership roles in schools. We also offer associate memberships for aspiring leaders and teachers interested in exploring and/or preparing for school leadership. Associate membership offers all benefits except legal and liability insurance at a reduced rate. To our current members, we need you to help spread the LAP word and encourage all leaders to become active participants. The greater the number the bigger the voice!
And finally, this job is too big to tackle alone so don’t. We are here to support, advocate, and enrich Louisiana school leaders.
Have a great school year!
Best regards,
Karen
President's Message
Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year
Dear Louisiana School Leaders,
As a new school year begins, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes for a year filled with purpose, hope, and success. Each new school year offers a fresh opportunity to inspire students, empower educators, and strengthen the communities we are privileged to serve.
Your leadership matters. The work you do each day shapes not only academic achievement but also the character, confidence, and future of Louisiana’s children. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence, your resilience through challenges, and your dedication to creating schools where every student can thrive.
As you embark on this journey, remember that you are never alone. The Louisiana Association of Principals exists to support, encourage, and advocate for school leaders across our great state. Together, we are stronger, and together, we continue to elevate the profession and the impact of educational leadership.
For me personally, this message carries a special meaning. As I begin a new chapter following 32.5 years of service, I do so with profound gratitude for the friendships, partnerships, and memories that have made this journey so rewarding. Serving alongside Louisiana’s outstanding school leaders has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and I leave confident that the future of our schools is in capable and caring hands.
Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your professional journey. While my role may be changing after Thanksgiving Break, my admiration for your work and my belief in Louisiana’s educators will remain steadfast.
May this school year be filled with wisdom, courage, joy, and countless opportunities to make a lasting difference.
With sincere appreciation,
Hennessy T. Melancon
President,
Louisiana Association of Principals
Legislative Session Update
Session Wrap 2026 Regular Session (Education)
The 2026 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session produced a significant group of new laws affecting K–12 schools. For principals, the most consequential changes fall into several broad areas: school safety and emergency response; special education; student mental and behavioral health; literacy; employee leave and retirement; mandatory reporting; career and workforce education; student access and choice; and emerging issues involving artificial intelligence and deepfakes.
This list identifies some of these new laws:
- SB 450 — Act 901 School Threats and Physical Security Assessments
- HB 624 — Act 821 Emergency Operations Plans
- HB 283 — Act 539 Assault and Battery Incidents at School
- HB 256 — Act 631 Mandatory Reporting by School Employees
- SB 83 — Act 737 Human-Trafficking Prevention and Victim Services
- HB 342 — Act 943 Special Education Due Process
- SB 64 — Act 237 Cameras in Self-Contained Special-Education Classrooms
- HB 352 — Act 944 Student Behavioral-Health Services
- HB 316 — Act 964 Student Literacy
- SB 157 — Act 744 Paid Parental Leave for School Employees
- HB 196 — Act 625 Teacher Personal Leave
- HB 42 — Act 781 Teachers' Retirement — Phased Retirement
- SB 376 — Act 100 Learn and Earn Act
- SB 482 — Act 413 Career Coaches and Individualized Graduation Planning
- SB 522 — Act 393 Career and Technical Charter Schools
- HB 363 — Act 545 Virtual-School Student Participation
- HB 1203 — Act 885 Parent-Driven Learning Micro Schools
- SB 112 — Act 461 Released Time for Religious Education
- SB 346 — Act 496 Deepfakes Involving K–12 Students
Bottom Line
The 2026 session did not radically rewrite Louisiana's entire K–12 system, but it created meaningful new operational responsibilities for principals, especially in school safety, special education, employee compliance, behavioral health, and student digital safety.
The most immediate administrative priority should be ensuring that district policies, principal procedures, staff training, and school handbooks have caught up with laws effective for the 2026–27 school year.
Welcome New Members
2026-2027
We’re excited to have you join a powerful network of school leaders dedicated to collaboration, growth, and excellence. Your leadership strengthens our voice and our impact across schools and communities.
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Join a community that connects, supports, and advocates for principals. Gain access to professional learning, statewide networking, and leadership resources that matter.
✨ Stronger Together. Leading Forward. ✨
Mission Statement:
Mission Statement: To provide quality School-based Administrative Leadership for Louisiana schools through Professional Development, Legislation and Member Services.
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