Dr. Theodis Lamar Goree Jr. will mark his first year in October as the superintendent of Caddo Parish Public Schools. Goree said the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders are important as the community invests in students. He said he embraces the triangular relationship between the school, family and community. As he looks to this school year, he shares his goals in the Caddo Parish School System.

Q: What do you hope to bring to Caddo Parish Schools as the superintendent?

Goree: It’s all about energy and making all of our schools stronger as well as a unique perspective. I am blessed to be a product of Caddo schools. I know Caddo Parish. It’s where my family is, and it’s home. But I’ve also been blessed to have the opportunity to attend college outside of the state and to work at other school districts to have that added perspective of seeing firsthand how other systems operate. Now I am working to bring that experience and view to Caddo. When I came in as superintendent, I walked into a situation where we as a district had to immediately institute a plan to turn around our chronically low-performing schools. I was able to bring aboard a dynamic district transformation and innovation officer, Billy Snow, whom I had the pleasure of working with in Texas and already is bringing noticeable changes to our transformation zone. But it’s not just about those schools. We want to continue to provide rigorous instruction and new opportunities for our students. Additionally, while Caddo Parish is a phenomenal school district, we don’t say that often enough. We have to be more proactive in telling our story and showing everyone in this parish and across this state the great staff and students throughout Caddo schools.

Q: How is Caddo Parish planning to handle Common Core and state testing?  

Goree: The emphasis for us is to provide a well-rounded standards-based curriculum designed to prepare our students for life after high school. As it stands today, Common Core is the law for Louisiana public school districts, and we will continue to abide by that law. Our teachers are well-trained, and curriculum is in place for us to teach a nationally recognized standard. We are awaiting direction from the state on what test our students will be taking this spring, but indications are it will be a LEAP-like test with Common Core questions – similar to what students took this past spring.

Q: Are there any new and exciting changes for the 2014-15 school year? 

Goree: The transformation zone is something I’m really proud to show off. In a matter of months, we have taken 10 schools and rehired principals and staff that have the mindset all students can learn. They’ve received some of the best training possible through our partnership with the University of Virginia as well as teacher instructional leadership training – all of which was paid for through state and federal grants. 

We also have expanded the magnet component at Broadmoor Middle Lab and instituted the first new magnet in nearly a decade when the board approved a middle school magnet component at Oak Park Microsociety. On a personal note, I’m thrilled to say this is my first official school year with this district after arriving in December. My own children, Madison and Morgan, are enrolled in Caddo schools and are entering the fourth and 12th grades.

Q: With technology evolving, how do you foresee our schools in Caddo Parish keeping up with the times? 

Goree: In today’s ever-evolving technological world, it’s easy for anyone to fall behind, but we are committed to continuously updating our technology offerings. Because of the size of our district, however, getting the latest technology is a constant process. Just to give an idea of the scope of our student technology, our information technology department oversees over 12,000 iPads, desktops and laptops at our 64 schools. In addition, we also encourage students at many of our campuses to bring their own devices to integrate into classroom instruction. We embrace technology and know the power it can hold in a classroom when accompanying vibrant teachers. 

Our general fund budget as well as individual school Title I budgets allow for the purchase of new technologies each year. In addition, school sites also have the freedom in their individual budgets to buy technology, and our school PTAs are playing a pivotal role in securing funding for not only student technology but items such as SMART boards in classrooms. We will continue to push for new technology each year as well as increase our internal bandwidth to support it, but we know it cannot all be done at once. As I said earlier, this is a process.

Q: How can the community help ensure that the 2014-15 is a successful school year?

Goree: Great question! We want to encourage not only our students and parents but our community stakeholders to get involved – join a PTA, volunteer to read to our students or participate in a school cleanup day. But our students, teachers and staff also need your support. Offer an encouraging word, ask how they are doing and let them know you have their back.

Each and every person in Caddo Parish is a necessary part of the work we do. Through everyone’s efforts, this is going to be a fantastic year!