Author: Emily Gautreaux

Teacher Pay Increased by BESE’s New Funding Formula

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) recently unanimously adopted a new statewide K-12 education funding formula for the 2023-24 school year, as per this news release from the Louisiana Department of Education. This new Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) formula not only aligns with the recommendations made by the Louisiana Department of Education, but it also addresses the key areas of teacher pay, support staff pay, workplace development, and operational costs.

The new formula includes across-the-board salary increases of $2,000 for certified teachers and $1000 for non-certified support staff. Additionally, BESE had approved the addition of a differentiated compensation provision for teacher salaries, established in the MFP formula in the form of a $61 million block grant program.

Under this new provision, school systems would receive money to fund stipends for teachers who are working in critical shortage areas, as defined by BESE. Additionally, stipends can be funded for highly-effective teachers, as defined in state law and BESE policy, teachers working in schools with an economically disadvantaged student population rate of 85% or higher, and teacher leaders working to support their peers.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley commented on the new formula adoption by saying, “I’m pleased to see our MFP proposal move forward with a market-responsive approach for the first time in Louisiana’s history. This will be a statewide game-changer for directly targeting pay toward staffing needs and teacher quality. Business and industry partners frequently shoulder the need for employees trained in career and technical education. Dedicating funding to our school systems specifically to support apprenticeships will encourage this career readiness approach to be lifted across Louisiana.”

Also, BESE added a projected $21.5 million to the MFP to help school systems meet their ever-increasing operational costs. The Board increased the formula’s Mandated Costs Allocation from $100 to $133 per student in order to support health insurance, retirement, transportation, and other operational costs that are incurred by school systems. This reflects the rate of inflation from 2009 when this operational component was last increased.

Additionally, the new MFP formula includes a projected $1.5 million increase to the formula’s Supplemental Course Allocation, dedicated to state-approved apprenticeship programs. These funds would be distributed to school systems based on the number of eligible students and with an enrollment limit of 250 applicants annually across both semesters. Systems that are designated as rural by the United States Census Bureau would also receive $3,500 per enrolled student, and non-rural systems would receive $2,500 per enrolled student.

BESE President Dr. Holly Boffy said, “the formula approved by the Board today supports key priorities for K-12 education in Louisiana. As the first step in the state’s education funding process, BESE’s passage of the MFP formula provides $257 million in teacher pay raises for teachers, including $2,000 for all teachers and another $60 million to meet our greatest staffing challenges in the classroom. The new MFP also increases aid for schools and districts struggling to cover rising expenses, and supports career and technical education through dedicated funding. We look forward to working with our partners in the legislature throughout the budgeting process to ensure that our students and educators receive the financial support they deserve.”

The MFP formula is set to determine the cost of teaching every K-12 public school student in Louisiana. According to the state’s constitution, BESE must create a formula for allocating state funding to public schools and submit it annually to the Louisiana Legislature. The final resolution describing the BESE-approved formula is set to be delivered to the Louisiana Legislature for review. According to state law, the Legislature may accept or reject the BESE-submitted formula but cannot alter it. BESE also asked the legislature to send the formula back to the Board so that a 2.75% increase to the formula’s base per-pupil amount and additional money for dual enrollment programs may be added should the Revenue Estimating Conference recognize additional funds throughout the budget approval process.

For more education-related information, click here.

Visiting Harpers Ferry

Looking for a weekend getaway that’s a perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty? Look no further than this travel guide to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia from Southern Living. Nestled at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, this charming town is steeped in Civil War heritage and surrounded by stunning scenery. From hiking to kayaking to exploring historic sites like John Brown’s Fort and Storer College, there’s no shortage of things to do in Harpers Ferry. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to spend an unforgettable weekend in one of America’s most picturesque towns!

The charming town is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and historical sites. Visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing, and rafting in the nearby Appalachian Mountains, or exploring the town’s rich history.

There’s no shortage of things to do when spending the weekend in there . In addition to all of the outdoor activities that the area has to offer, there are also a number of historic sites to visit. One of the most popular historic sites in Harpers Ferry is the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The park includes a number of buildings and structures that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, including the home of John Brown. Another popular historic site is St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. The church was built in 1833 and is one of the oldest buildings in Harpers Ferry. It’s also been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Other notable historic sites include the Bolivar Heights Battlefield, Storer College, and John Brown’s Fort. All of these sites offer a glimpse into Harpers Ferry’s rich history and are definitely worth a visit if you’re spending the weekend in town.

Harpers Ferry has been an integral part of American history since the eighteenth century, but today Harpers Ferry is home to a number of attractions, such as its Civil War-era arsenal, historic churches, and truly picturesque hiking trails. The town is also home to two National Parks: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Visitors can explore these sites along with other historical buildings, museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, hiking trails, and outdoor activity areas.

There are plenty of great places to eat as well! Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, you’ll find something to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a quick bite, there are several fast food and casual dining options available. For something a little more upscale, check out one of the many restaurants located in the historic district. You’ll find everything from American fare to international cuisine. Some of the best eateries in town include Country Cafe, Kelley Farm Kitchen, Snallygaster Cafe, The Rabbit Hole, and Bolivar Bread. Whatever your dining preference, you’re sure to find something to please your palate in Harpers Ferry.

The historic town is also home to a variety of shopping and entertainment options. There are several art galleries, antique shops, and boutiques in the town such as Vintage Lady, Tessoterica, and True Treats. There are many accommodations available for spending the weekend in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. There are hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and camping sites available. Consider checking out the charming accommodations of The Town’s Inn, Rockhaven B&B, or Stonehouse B&B if you’re in town.

Spending the weekend in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia offers a unique and memorable experience. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and abundance of outdoor activities, it is no wonder that this charming town has become a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Harpers Ferry has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable weekend!

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Thibodaux John Deere Facility to Revitalize Cotton Harvesting

The John Deere manufacturing facility in Thibodaux, Louisiana is fixing to revolutionize its line of cotton-harvesting vehicles as well as train local high school students for future employment, as per this article from Houma Today.In April, the John Deere facility in Thibodaux will begin producing cotton pickers in order to revitalize its arsenal of cotton-harvesting vehicles. This effort will hopefully be able to circumvent and counteract what General Manager Mike Duplantis calls “stagnant technology.”  Mike Suplantis spoke to the South Central Industrial Association about the Thibodaux facility’s future plans by saying, “we’re replacing a design that is 30 years old. The product we’re going to be doing now is a clean sheet, redesigned, medium chassis cotton picker.”

The new cotton pickers have reportedly been completely redesigned from the ground up, and the current plans are to have them offered in two forms: balers and baskets. The baler will throw out harvested cotton in bales in a similar fashion to a hay baler, and the basket will be able to store cotton that has been harvested. As of March, the Thibodaux facility has already begun to create parts for the vehicles, and assembly is set to begin in April. The John Deere company is expecting production of the new cotton harvesters to reach full capacity by 2025.

In addition to the production of new cotton harvesters, the John Deere manufacturing facility in Thibodaux has also partnered with Fletcher Technical College and the Lafourche Career Magnet Center to begin working with two high school juniors as apprentices. The program aims to help these students to gain valuable work experience while they get their education. Interviews for these positions are expected to begin soon. Essentially, students who enter into the program will attend their high-school classes part-time in the mornings of their fall and spring semesters and work at John Deere in the evenings.

Duplantis commented on the benefits of the program by saying, “this is allowing us to teach such that these young individuals come out after their senior year and we know ’em, they know our processes, they know what we do. If we’re hiring, guess what? They’ll be making $50,000 to $60,000 a year.” Duplantis also told the South Central Industrial Association that the new cartoon harvester production will be creating between 50 and 100 new local production jobs as well as 10 to 12 engineering jobs.

Currently, the John Deere facility is housed in the former Cameco building, which is located along LA 3266. In 1998, John Deere, Inc. acquired the facility when they bought Cameco in order to become established in the sugar cane business. Since 2000, the Thibodaux site has been a design center for sugar harvesting and each-moving scraper equipment, and since 2015, it’s been a site and design center for Cane Harvesters.

Recently, the facility, which is 650,000 square feet, has seen a $29.8 million overhaul in preparation for its vehicle production. This overhaul created 70 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $47,472, retained 311 existing jobs in Louisiana, which included 284 jobs at the Lafourche Parish facility, and the project also resulted in 110 new indirect jobs for a total of 180 jobs in the Bayou Region.

When the expansion was announced, Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson said, “John Deere’s expansion is a huge win for Lafourche Parish. The addition of new manufacturing lines to John Deere Thibodaux shows how productive and efficient this facility is, which is a testament to the local workforce and management. The Thibodaux facility’s successful competition for these new cotton harvesters shows just how competitive Lafourche Parish can be.”

For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.

Nicholls Recently Renewed its Partnership with MAX Charter School

It was recently announced that Nicholls State University and the Maxine Giardina Charter School have officially renewed their five-year affiliation, according to this news release from Nicholls. The affiliation between Nicholls and MAX Charter School is described as a way to provide both engagement and support through both the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the Nicholls Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders.

Five years ago, Nicholls’ College of Education had introduced the internally recognized Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling approach to MAX Charter’s educational curriculum. Essentially, the Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling, or CABAS, is seen as a scientifically validated approach to schooling, and because of this, it incorporates principles and tactics of the basic science of behavior in order to teach educationally significant and socially significant repertoires through continuous assessment, monitoring, and individualized interventions that are based on data.

Nicholls President Jay Clune, PhD. had spoken about the renewed partnership by saying, “for years, the affiliation between MAX Charter School and Nicholls has provided incredible opportunities for our teacher candidates to receive hands-on training in instructional delivery to students with differentiated learning styles. In turn, MAX benefits by having access to resources and ongoing support from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders. This is a valuable educational partnership for both organizations.”

The Chairman of MAX Charter School Board, Jake Giardina, commented on the partnership by saying, “the collaboration between MAX Charter and Nicholls leverages the education, experience, and expertise of both entities greatly benefiting all stakeholders.”

Additionally, Nicholls Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Scot Rademaker, said “MAX is a great place for our teacher candidates and future counselors to gain valuable experiences prior to their employment as professionals in the world of education. Some candidates and interns may even be employed by MAX and continue to provide quality instruction and services for students with dyslexia. Nicholls has been able to provide valuable resources, including professional development from teacher education faculty, as well as leadership and guidance through board governance for MAX. We hope that the professional connections between our two educational entities will continue for many years to come.”

Approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the MAX Charter School is actually the first of its kind in Louisiana and it has since become a source for ongoing professional development of in-service teachers and field experience training for pre-service teachers at the University. The school is described as being dedicated to educating first through eighth-grade students with dyslexia and related learning differences.

The Nicholls Louisiana Center for Dyslexia & Related Learning Disorders describes its mission by saying that it “is to transform the lives of individuals with dyslexia through the provision of support services to college students, educational evaluations to the public, and training opportunities to teachers and parents.”

Similarly, the Nicholls College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is dedicated to the preparation of high-quality, experienced, and knowledgeable educational leaders, teachers, school counselors, psychological counselors, school psychologists, and human service professionals who are able to meet the diverse needs of Louisiana and the larger global community. They say, “this is accomplished by a faculty committed to teaching, community service, professional service, and research. Programs of study are grounded in the conceptual framework: ‘Responsible Leaders Engaging in Professional Practice.’ The college is strongly committed to service in area school systems and community agencies.”

For more education-related information, click here.

A Louisiana Twist on Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe, then look no further than Louisiana Cookin’s delicious recipe for Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests. This dish is perfect for a summertime picnic or potluck. It’s also great for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The chicken tenders are coated in homemade pecan breading and then fried to perfection. They’re served with a sweet and tangy blackberry honey mustard dipping sauce that provides the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of chicken tenderloins (about 16 tenderloins total)
  • 3 large eggs (whites and yolks)
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of pecan halves
  • 1 cup of panko Japanese bread crumbs
  • ½ cup of blackberry preserves
  • ⅓ cup of Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
  • ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 2 ½ teaspoons of Creole seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika

Directions

  1. You’ll want to begin this delicious recipe for pecan-crusted chicken tenders by preheating your oven to 400°F. Ensure that there’s a rack inserted into the middle of the oven to even cook temperatures throughout. As your oven is preheating, you’ll want to place a wire baking rack on top of a baking sheet. Consider putting a layer of parchment paper or aluminum foil beneath the rack to catch any drippings and ensure that you don’t have to wash the sheet tray afterwards. Spray the wire baking rack with cooking spray afterwards.
  2. Next, you’ll want to prepare your three-bowl dredging station. So, take a food processor and in the work bowl you’ll want to pulse your 2 cups of pecan halves until they’re finely chopped. Transfer the finely chopped pecans to a shallow dish and stir in your bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and Creole seasoning. Mix this all together so that the ingredients are well-incorporated. In a separate shallow dish, place your flour for the dredging, and in a medium-sized bowl whisk your eggs.
  3. Once you’re ready to prepare your chicken tenders, you’ll want to dip one tenderloin in the egg bowl, dredge it in flour on both sides, dip it into the egg bowl again, dredge it in the pecan mixture, and press the pecan mixture firmly to the tenderloin on both sides to completely coat it. Lay the tenderloin on the prepared rack and repeat this process for the remaining tenderloins.
  4. Once the oven is prepared, you’ll place your wire rack of chicken tenderloins into the oven and bake them until they are golden brown. This should take approximately 20-25 minutes to complete, and you can serve it along with your favorite dipping sauce or the following blackberry honey mustard.
  5. You can achieve the delicious blackberry honey mustard by whisking your ½ cup of blackberry preserves, ⅓ cup of Dijon mustard, ¼ cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a medium-sized bowl until these ingredients are all well-combined.
  6. You’ll then strain this bowl of mixed ingredients through a fine-mesh sieve and either serve alongside your pecan-crusted chicken tenders or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
  7. Enjoy!

 Note:

There are a few things that go great with pecan-crusted chicken tenders. One option is to serve them with a side of roasted vegetables. Another option is to pair them with a fresh salad. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with serving them alongside some delicious mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or honey-glazed carrots. These all have similar cooking methods and will cook in about the same amount of time as the chicken. If you want to switch things up, try serving the chicken with a simple salad or some steamed rice.

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North Carolina Lakes Worth a Visit

North Carolina is a land of bountiful beauty, with miles of coastline and acres of lush forest; though, there’s something special about North Carolina lakes that make them the best in the Eastern United States. Whether you’re looking for a serene spot to relax and take in the natural beauty or a place to explore with friends and family, this article on North Carolina’s best lakes from Southern Living will have you wanting to come back time and time again.

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, a fishing trip, or an adventure-filled day on the water, North Carolina has it all, and with 59 lakes to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs in this wonderful state. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best lakes in North Carolina and explore each lake’s unique features so you can determine which one is right for you. So grab your swimsuit and your fishing rod and prepare to head off to some of North Carolina’s most beautiful bodies of water.

Kerr Scott Dam And Reservoir

Kerr Scott Dam And Reservoir is located in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and the reservoir has a capacity of 1,475 acres, making it perfect for swimming. The dam was originally constructed in 1951 -1952 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and it was dedicated to W. Kerr Scott, who was the Governor of North Carolina at the time. Today, the reservoir is open for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, camping, and picnicking.

Lake Gaston

Lake Gaston is one of the best lakes in North Carolina for several reasons. First, it is a large lake, with over 350 miles of shoreline. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for activities like swimming, fishing, and boating. Second, the lake is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by forests and hills. Third, the water quality is excellent, making it a great place to swim and fish. Finally, the lake is well-stocked with fish, making it a popular destination for anglers.

Biltmore Lake

If you’re looking for a serene and beautiful lake to relax by in North Carolina, look no further than Biltmore Lake. This man-made lake is located just outside of Asheville and is surrounded by lush greenery and the stunning views of the wonderful Blue Ridge Mountains, in which Biltmore Lake is settled. Visitors can go fishing, kayaking, or swimming in the lake, or simply take a leisurely stroll around its scenic perimeter. Additionally, vacationing on Biltmore Lake means that you can rent paddle boats, sailboats, cedar strip canoes, and kayaks at the local boathouse. On top of that, this destination also offers fly fishing, hot air balloons, tennis courts, forested trails, and camping for you to enjoy.

Lake Nantahala

Lake Nantahala is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful lakeside vacation. This beautiful lake is located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains near the Nantahala River Gorge, and its clear waters offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are plenty of activities to enjoy on Lake Nantahala, including fishing, swimming, canoeing, and hiking.  In addition, the lake is a perfect spot for those looking to fish for bass, salmon, trout, and catfish, as those are widely available. This lake is just a short drive from some of North Carolina’s best attractions, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Asheville. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Lake Nantahala is the perfect destination.

For more travel-related news and information, click here.