North Vermilion Middle’s Kandice Broussard named semifinalist for State’s top principal

During her time as principal at North Vermilion Middle School, Kandice Broussard has worked to create a cultural that is exciting throughout campus and maintains a strong focuses on the value of classroom instruction.
That work has gained Broussard some statewide attention.
Broussard is among a group of semifinals for Louisiana Principal of the Year. The Louisiana Department of Education announced the list of 24 principals last week.
“It is a true honor to be recognized as a semifinalist for State Principal of the Year,” Broussard said. “This distinction reflects the collective efforts of an outstanding school community and a supportive district committed to excellence in education.”
Broussard said her goal is to cultivate an environment that makes school enjoyable. Along with their expectations in the classroom, students can take part in numerous activities, including can join three-on-three basketball games, walking with friends while listening to music in the gym, playing board games, and even line dance, which has become a school favorite, Broussard said. Recently, more than 200 eighth-graders took part in a Career Day.
Vermilion Parish School System Superintendent Tommy Byler said Broussard’s vision and culture have been a perfect fit at NV Middle. Byler said that due to her leadership, which has led to growth in many areas at the school, including a 3-point increase in the School Performance Score, Broussard is a deserving candidate for this honor.
“Congratulations to Ms. Kandice Broussard of North Vermilion Middle for being named a semifinalist for State Principal of the Year,” Byler posted. “We are proud of your work and wish you the best in the next round.”
Dr. Holly Boffy, a Vermilion Parish native and Abbeville High alumna, is also on the list. Boffy is principal of W. D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center in Lafayette Parish. Finalists for Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year will be announced in May. Overall honorees will be announced for all teacher, principal, and leader awards in July at the 20th Annual Cecil. J. Picard Educator Excellence Gala.
“I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to represent our school and parish,” Broussard said, “and I am inspired to continue striving for success on behalf of our students and staff.”
The full list of Louisiana Principal of the Year semifinalists is:
• Shelley Strother, Galvez Middle School, Ascension Parish
• Melanie Bellamy, Labadieville Elementary School, Assumption Parish
• Chuck Normand, Bunkie Magnet High School, Avoyelles Parish
• Douglas Salvaterra, Saline High School, Bienville Parish
• Alyshia Coulson, Bellaire Elementary School, Bossier Parish
• Shannon Wall, Northwood High School, Caddo Parish
• Angela Guillory, Moss Bluff Middle School, Calcasieu Parish
• Kalandra Loyd, Vidalia Lower Elementary School, Concordia Parish
• Brian Anderson, Stanley High School, DeSoto Parish
• Amy Gobert, Elton High School, Jefferson Davis Parish
• Dr. Holly Boffy, W. D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center, Lafayette Parish
• Casey Cheramie, Raceland Lower Elementary School, Lafourche Parish
• Lacey Holcomb, Simsboro High School, Lincoln Parish
• Wesley Howard, Denham Springs High School, Livingston Parish
• Doll Ann Johnson, Sterlington High School, Ouachita Parish
• Christy Dugas, Paradise Elementary School, Rapides Parish
• Lisa Perrin, Allemands Elementary School, St. Charles Parish
• April Guidry, Grand Prairie Elementary School, St. Landry Parish
• Lauren Rentrop, Patterson Junior High School, St. Mary Parish
• Gina Brown, Mandeville Junior High School, St. Tammany Parish
• Sharess Baptiste, Kentwood High Magnet School, Tangipahoa Parish
• Terez LeBlanc, Houma Junior High School, Terrebonne Parish
• Kandice Broussard, North Vermilion Middle School, Vermilion Parish
ª Jacquelyn Bristow, Bains Lower Elementary School, West Feliciana Parish