The Lafayette Parish School System is pleased to announce the appointment of four key leadership positions in the district.
Ms. Venus Soileau
Principal of Charles Burke Elementary School
Following the retirement of Ms. Loretta Williams-Durand, Ms. Venus Soileau will take over as the next leader of Charles Burke Elementary School. Soileau has served in both administrative and instructional roles at several local schools, including Paul Breaux Middle School and Acadian Middle School, before becoming principal of Scott Middle School. During her time at Scott Middle School, the school was named a School of Outstanding Growth. In 2020, Soileau took over the role of program administrator of the Lafayette Online Academy where she has served prior to this most recent appointment. Soileau holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education, and was named the 2012 LPSS Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Alison Canter
Principal of Live Oak Elementary School
Bringing a wealth of experience to her new role as principal of Live Oak Elementary School, Carencro native Alison Canter is thrilled to be back at Live Oak Elementary School where she began her career 18 years ago. “I am very excited about going back to where I started to make a difference. Now that I have experienced education all the way through graduation, I know how important it is to get our kids on the right path in elementary school to meet their greatest potential in life,” states Canter. A third-generation educator, Canter holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education.
Ms. Elizabeth Harson
Principal of Dr. Raphael A. Baranco Elementary School
Serving in an interim capacity the previous academic year, Ms. Elizabeth Harson has been named principal of Dr. Raphael A. Baranco Elementary School. “It is truly an honor to be appointed as the leader of a wonderful school community. I’m excited about the work and looking forward to the start of a new school year with a focus on the academic progress of our students, faculty, and staff at Dr. Raphael A.Baranco Elementary School.” Harson has over 32 years as an educator. She spent 27 years in an elementary classroom setting before moving into the role of executive master teacher in 2018. She was named Teacher of the Year in 1994, 2010, and 2017, and served as a supervisor to student interns for over 10 years. Harson holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from McNeese University.
Ms. Catherine Cassidy
Director of High Schools
Bringing a wealth of knowledge, including the unique experience of building and opening a new high school, Ms. Catherine Cassidy has been named Director of High Schools. Cassidy began her career as a health and physical education teacher and assistant girls’ basketball coach at Iota High School before moving to Acadiana High School in 2000. There, she spent 16 years as a health and physical education teacher, head girls’ basketball coach, summer school principal, and assistant principal. Cassidy then became the first principal of Southside High School, spending the last six years developing school culture and serving as instructional leader of the school. Cassidy holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with an add-on certification in administration from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.