Funding provided by
Cecil J. Picard became Louisiana's State Superintendent of Education in July 1996. His priorities center on early childhood education, K-3 reading skills, improving student performance through school and district accountability, alternative programs for students with discipline problems, technology, and collaboration with colleges and universities to improve teacher preparation programs.
He has worked closely with the Governor and the Legislature to develop and implement a nationally-recognized accountability system, and has recently formed a multi-state Early Childhood Education compact targeted to serve at-risk four-year olds.
Before assuming his present position, State Superintendent Picard served as a teacher, coach, and school principal in the public schools for more than 20 years. He was a member of the Louisiana Legislature for 20 years, retiring from the State Senate in 1996.
Picard’s leadership has been recognized at the state and national levels. Last year, the National Governor’s Association and ZERO TO THREE chose him as one of only 14 “fellows” nationwide in the first class of the State Early Childhood Policy Leadership Forum. He also accepted a post on the executive committee of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), which advises 16 southern states on education policy. Picard was a 2001 Outstanding Alumnus at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette.
Should Louisiana expand Medicaid benefits to subsidize national healthcare coverage or not?
How can Louisiana better equip its citizens for future STEM positions?
What are viable strategies for addressing our coastal erosion in light of sea level rise, subsidence, hurricanes and oil spills?
What would these changes mean for Louisiana’s low and middle income families?
So how is Louisiana confronting this health issue?
Where does Louisiana stand in this national discussion on guns and mental health?
»»» View all Topics!
