Vermilion tops Acadiana area; Parish School System achieves growth in 2022-’23 school, district performance scores

On Monday, the Louisiana Department of Education released district and school performance scores for the 2022-2023 school year. The Vermilion Parish School System is proud to announce and celebrate an outstanding 1.9 point increase in its overall performance scores for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Superintendent Tommy Byler shared his thoughts on the accomplishment, saying, “This remarkable achievement not only reflects the unwavering commitment to excellence, but also highlights the efforts of students, educators, parents, and all of our Vermilion stakeholders.”
Vermilion Parish Ranks No. 1 in the Acadiana area and is the only district in the area to achieve “A” status. The Vermilion Parish School System had a 1.9 point growth from last year and has achieved “A” status once again as we rebound from the challenges of the pandemic.
The Vermilion Parish School System also is proud to announce that its
district ranks as one of the Top 10 districts in the State of Louisiana.
“We are very proud of where our system’s accomplishments have placed us. Being the top school system in the Acadiana area, once again is exciting. On the state level, we were excited to move up one spot. More impressive for our teachers and students is that of the top 10 schools, Vermilion had the fourth highest district growth,” Byler added.

Unprecedented Success
at Individual Schools

The success of the district was a direct reflection of the accomplishments of the individual schools. In a year that saw 15 of the parish’s 20 schools grow, here are a couple of highlights from schools reaching all time SPS scores in this year's accountability grades. This extraordinary accomplishment extends to the individual schools within the Vermilion Parish School System.
Cecil Picard Elementary celebrated a 5.0 point growth in performance scores, achieving its highest-ever performance score of 96.5 A.
Kaplan High School achieved its highest performance score ever at 108.1, with a notable 1.0 point increase from last year.
Seventh Ward Elementary reached new heights with a performance score of 94.9 A, reflecting a 1.8 point increase, and also reached its highest performance score ever. Dozier Elementary achieved a huge milestone of success with a remarkable 6.5 point growth in performance scores, marking its highest performance score ever at 93.4 A. Rene A. Rost Middle School also achieved its highest performance score ever at 79.5, showcasing a 1.0 point increase.

Significant Growth at
Individual Schools

While 15 of the 20 schools did show growth, Byler said the school system wants to recognize the following for exemplary growth:
• Jesse Owens Elementary
84.8 B, 6.6 point growth
• Dozier Elementary
93.4 A, 6.5 point growth
• North Vermilion Middle
86.4 B, 5.1 point growth
• Cecil Picard Elementary
96.5 A, 5.0 point growth
• Gueydan High
88.8 B, 5.0 point growth
• J.H. Williams Middle,
60.0 C, 5.0 point growth
• Herod Elementary
60.5 C, 4.2 point growth
• North Vermilion High
105.4 A, 3.6 point growth
Byler added, “Any growth is our ultimate goal, but when we see large amounts of growth from some of our schools, it is a testament to all of the efforts of our students, teachers and school leaders that they were able to execute their schoolwide goals and plans.”

Letter Grade Gains

Three of the parish’s schools moved up in letter grade status.
“We are proud of these accomplishments as well,” Byler said.
Those schools are:
• Dozier Elementary
86.9 B to 93.4 A, 6.5 point growth
• J.H. Williams Middle
55.0 D to 60.0 C, 5.0 point growth
• Herod Elementary
56.3 D to 60.5 C, 4.2 point growth

VPSS High Schools

The Vermilion Parish School System is proud to announce the remarkable achievements of its five high schools, which have earned well-deserved recognition for their outstanding performance. Among these institutions, Erath High School has truly shone by securing the fourth position in the state for traditional public high schools, closely followed by Kaplan High School, which stands at fifth. Not to be outdone, North Vermilion High School has earned its place at 11th.
“When you look at our scores in totality, it is a great accomplishment for the district. We know, however, that we have areas that can still be improved. We will continue to work hard on striving for greater excellence and achievement in this ever changing world of education,” Byler added.