Instructional Leadership Partners announced
Ascension Public Schools has announced the hiring of three new Instructional Leadership Partners (ILPs) Dutchtown High Associate Principal Kathleen Lapiparo, Gonzales Primary Principal Jaimee Williams and Lowery Elementary Principal Dawn Love.
"Ascension Public Schools is fortunate to have these three educational leaders to fill critical school support roles for the district. Kathleen, Jaimee, and Dawn are all proven, effective leaders who have driven their respective schools to higher student achievement levels. They will be a vital force in our district," said Ascension Public Schools Superintendent Patrice Pujol.
Lapiparo is taking on the position Lisa Bacala vacated when promoted to Director of Secondary Schools. Originally from St. Bernard Parish, Lapiparo taught at Chalmette High School before Hurricane Katrina relocated her to Ascension Parish. She started working at Dutchtown High as an English teacher before moving to assistant principal and then associate principal overseeing the Freshman Academy.
Lapiparo earned a bachelor's degree in secondary English education from Nicholls State University and a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of New Orleans.
"It is such an honor to be given this opportunity, and I can't wait to get started,” Lapiparo said. I have worked with Lisa (Bacala) and Ronda (Matthews) for many years and look forward to continue working with them in this capacity. I will miss our amazing team at Dutchtown High, especially our teachers and my freshman students who we lovingly call Baby Griffs. However, this is a phenomenal opportunity, and I am excited to work at this level as an ILP.”
Williams is taking on the position Edith Walker vacated when promoted to Director of Middle Schools. Originally from Los Angeles, Williams got involved in education while working for the New Orleans Saints doing community outreach with Teach for America. Williams started working for Ascension Public Schools after teaching for two years in Iberville Parish. She served as a fifth grade teacher at Gonzales Primary, an instructional coach at Pecan Grove Primary, an assistant principal at St. Amant Primary, and principal of Gonzales Primary.
She earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication and a master's degree in educational leadership from Southern University. She is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University.
"Thank you for this opportunity. It is bittersweet to leave Gonzales Primary because it is my heart and soul, but I am very excited to move forward and continue to learn and grow even more of our children," Williams said.
Love is taking on the position formerly held by Laura Roussel. A graduate of East Ascension High School, Love began her career in Ascension Public Schools teaching English at St. Amant High School. After a year in Texas, she returned as a master teacher at Donaldsonville High School before moving to assistant principal and then principal of Lowery Elementary.