ASSUMPTION PARISH, La. (BRPROUD) — Assumption Parish school officials say students can expect exciting changes this school year, ranging from new security devices to school construction and remodeled athletic fields.

Superintendent John Barthelemy explains everything parents need to know as they prepare to send their kids back to the classroom.

“Most of our employees went to Assumption High School, graduated from Assumption High School, and live in the community,” said Barthelemy.

That family feeling is set to pick up right where it left off as we’re just weeks away from the start of the 2024-25 school year in Assumption Parish. School starts Aug. 7 for students.

The first thing students will notice is a new facelift to the high school.

“We’re going to paint all of our buildings. We’re going to build new structures,” said Barthelemy.

There were also major upgrades to the athletic fields.

“We’re having a turf installed this year for our football field. We have lights that we’re installing and follow baseball and softball fields as well,” said Barthelemy.

New lights on the field mean later start times for games and more opportunities for parents to see their kids play.

“So now, it affords our school to have games at 6 p.m. So most of your parents and family members can be off at that time and attend the games,” said Barthelemy.

Part of this year’s improvements includes a multimillion-dollar security project, creating a separate entry for campus visitors.

“We’re trying to create a single point entry where parents have one way to go into the building. Students have one way to go into the building, and they’re not going into the building through the same doors,” said Barthelemy.

New changes for students in Ascension Parish as they return to school

Along with those technology upgrades comes an artificial intelligence camera system called “Zero Eyes” designed to detect weapons on campus.

“Like, if someone walks on a campus with a gun, the AI system detects that particular location, the person takes video so we know exactly where someone is at, who’s a threat,” said Barthelemy.

From an instructional standpoint, there’s also a shift in the accountability system.

Administrators are focusing more on data-driven results and want students and parents to take control of their learning with a new goalsetting agenda.

“Extremely important that our students see where they are from an academic standpoint. Also, they need to know what’s expected of them and then also what is the plan to get you there,” said Barthelemy.

Barthelemy says kids in third through twelfth grades will be given take-home devices for learning.

“So in the event that we have to have an emergency day where we do not have access to face-to-face, our students will still be able to engage with their teacher via online,” said Barthelemy.

Barthelemy also said Assumption Parish is offering a stipend to new employees as a recruitment tool for the district.

“For a non-certified position, it’s like $2,500. If you’re a certified teacher, it’s like $5,000,” said Barthelemy.

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There’s also an opportunity for any APS employee to go back to school and earn a teaching degree.

“We’re paying for them to obtain their certifications. We also are recruiting our own students who would like to go into the field of education,” said Barthelemy.

As a smaller district in a rural area with nearly 3,000 students, Barthelemy says it’s best to be proactive in retaining talent.

“And if we could get more people who live in Assumption Parish, working in Assumption Parish, I think we’ll have more longevity as it relates to sustainability in the school system,” said Barthelemy.

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