ALEXANDRIA, La. (8/4/2026) — Rapides Parish Public Schools officially launched the 2026-2027 academic year this week by bringing educators, community leaders, business partners, and elected officials together for its annual Opening of Schools meeting.
This year’s theme, “Amplify the Culture,” set the tone for the district’s priorities as students prepare to return to classrooms across Rapides Parish.
During the event, Superintendent Jeff Powell outlined the district’s vision for the new school year. He also highlighted recent academic gains and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between schools and the community.
According to the district, 76% of kindergarten through third-grade students are reading on grade level. Officials also reported that Rapides Parish now ranks 19th in Louisiana for overall proficiency.
In addition, the district said it increased overall proficiency by two percentage points from last year. Officials reported the district has reached a 40% proficiency rate, the highest on record.
“When we engage our community, empower our students and elevate them with real opportunity, we set them up to succeed long after they leave us,” Powell said. “That work does not happen in a single classroom or a single school. It happens when all of us pull in the same direction.”
District leaders said the annual meeting helps unite educators and community partners before the first day of school. Organizers said the event also establishes shared goals for the year ahead.
Parents, ministers, members of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, state lawmakers, local mayors, Rapides Parish Police Jury members, judges, and representatives from the business and healthcare communities attended the gathering.
The program concluded with district leaders and special guests recognizing the shared commitment to supporting students. Participants also received materials highlighting the district’s vision, values, and goals for the upcoming school year.
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