Michael Beck, the principal of Red River Elementary, has been selected by the Louisiana Department of Education as a Principal of the Year finalist. In his fourth year as the school’s leader, Beck has made significant gains in school performance scores and numerous indicators of school improvement.

Superintendent Alison Strong applauds Mr. Beck’s leadership. ”Mike has been an incredible addition to our district. He has created a culture of collaboration and working with data that has translated into tremendous gains from kindergarten to 5th grade.” She added, “Working with Mr. Beck as a collaborator in Principal PLC is always a lesson in looking at individual students. We are all cheering on Mr. Beck in this accomplishment.”

Beck says that turning the school around has been a group effort. “We rely on teachers, students, parents, staff, and district leadership.” He commented, “Success in everything we do is recognized. We provide the students with individual and building goals, and we do not make excuses. The goals are achievable and based on data, not feelings. Students can tell us each day what their target for growth is.”

Beck praises communication with parents as a lasting indicator of success. “Community and family connections are one of our major targets this year. One of the biggest contributors to our growing success is the fact that we have been very effective in communicating our school-wide goal of literacy and the importance of this area. This past fall, we had a family literacy night for our students and community. The attendance was outstanding, as over 350 students and 720+ attendants signed in for our evening.”

Kelley Lee, Director of Student Learning, praises all his work at the school. “Mr. Beck is a huge asset for Red River Elementary and our district. Under his leadership, RRES has made significant gains. His commitment to excellence is evident through his students’ growth in the three short years he’s been the school leader”, Lee said. “He goes above and beyond daily to make his staff and students the best they can be. I’m thrilled LDOE has discovered what we have known all along–Mr. Beck is one of the best in the state!”

“It is an honor to celebrate the significance of the education profession and those who choose to serve the next generation,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “These remarkable teachers and leaders are making a profound impact on the lives of students and the future of Louisiana.”

All semifinalists and finalists will be honored at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 27. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.