LPSS announces new director appointments

The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) is pleased to announce several administrative changes across the district, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.

Ms. Layne Edelman
Principal of Lafayette High School

Layne Edelman began teaching social studies in 2007 at Ovey Comeaux High School. She moved into an administrative position at Acadiana High School in 2012, where she served as assistant principal for nine years before serving as principal for the last three years. In addition to his work in the school system, Edelman worked part-time as a human resources officer for the Louisiana National Guard’s 1/244 Assault Helicopter Battalion for eight years, reaching the rank of captain.

She received the Mayor’s Award in 2021 and was named the 2023 High School Principal of the Year for the Lafayette Parish School System. Edelman served on the Louisiana Department of Education’s English Learner Task Force, is a strong advocate for students, and has fought for student equity at the state level.

Edelman said, “I am truly honored and excited to begin working alongside the teachers, parents and students at Lafayette High School. I strongly believe in the power of collaboration and believe that every challenge can be overcome with a spirit of unity and a shared commitment to excellence.

Edelman graduated from Lafayette High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary social studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In 2011, she received her Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.

Mr. Jason St. Pierre
Principal of Acadiana High School

Mr. Jason St. Pierre brings a wealth of experience gained from his 25 years of experience in education, including 15 years as principal of Walker High School. “Having successfully led one of the largest high schools in the state, Mr. St. Pierre’s experience as a principal is invaluable. We are pleased to welcome him to the district and the Scott community,” says Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. M. St. Pierre’s career in education began at Denham Springs Freshman High, where he served as a teacher and coach. He quickly moved into administrative positions, becoming an assistant principal at Denham Springs High School and later principal of Freshwater Elementary. He also led Walker Freshman High School as principal before his promotion to principal of Walker High School.

Throughout his career, Mr. St-Pierre has dedicated himself to fostering educational environments that promote academic and professional success. At Walker High, he was instrumental in transforming the school into a 21st century educational institution, with a focus on the integration of college preparatory and career training programs. It has built strong partnerships with the business community, creating hands-on learning opportunities for students and ensuring they graduate with the skills needed for higher education and the workforce.

In recognition of his exceptional leadership and commitment to student life, Mr. St-Pierre was honored as the 2022 Varsity Brands School Spirit Principal of the Year, a prestigious national award celebrating principals who significantly improve the student experience student. In 2023, he was nominated as one of Louisiana’s semifinalists for the state’s Principal of the Year award.

Mr. St. Pierre looks forward to bringing his vision and expertise to Acadiana High School, where he aims to inspire staff and students to reach new heights of excellence. Mr. St. Pierre is a Navy veteran with a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southern University.

Ms. Sherri Livesay
Director of the David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy

Mrs. Sherri Livesay began her educational career as a grades 6-12 English teacher in Iberia Parish, where she taught for twelve years.

In 2017, Ms. Livesay joined the Lafayette Parish School system and became the educational leader at Lafayette High School. Shortly after, she accepted the position of traveling assistant principal at Acadiana and Lafayette high schools before becoming a full-time assistant principal at Lafayette High School. In the fall of 2022, Ms. Livesay joined the administrative team of the David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy under the direction of Mr. Alex Melton. Ms. Livesay is excited to continue working with the David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy community in her new role as Director.

Livesay holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a master’s degree in education in educational leadership from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Ms Catherine Cassidy
Principal of Ovey Comeaux High School

Mrs. Catherine Cassidy has been appointed principal of Ovey Comeaux High School, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Ms. Cassidy has a full 26-year term, including 24 years dedicated to the Lafayette Parish School System. Her career at LPSS includes 12 years of teaching and coaching, followed by four years as an assistant principal at Acadiana High School. Subsequently, Cassidy took on the role of first principal of Southside High School, where she spent seven years promoting school culture and serving as an educational leader. Transitioning to the position of Director of Secondary Schools the previous year, Cassidy returned to her passion for direct engagement with secondary school students and staff.

Notable contributions include co-presentations with Pfluger Architects at the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) conferences, addressing topics such as Collaborative Spaces: Active or Passive and Setting the Bar in Lafayette. In 2023, she presented to LPSS administrators on promoting the culture of feedback through end-of-year reflections. Additionally, she served on the Louisiana Schools Hurricane Preparedness Commission, initiated by Louisiana State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley, in 2021, and she was recently appointed to the Steering/Sustainability Committee of the community ready for the development of Louisiana. Cassidy will bring her approach to whole child development to the OCHS community and is excited about the work ahead of her.

Ms. Cassidy holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and additional certification in administration from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.