Lafayette, LA (September 19, 2025) – The Lafayette Parish School Board has approved the construction of a new K-8 school on the north side of Lafayette, marking another major step in a year filled with bold initiatives to make LPSS schools the best choice for students and families.
Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr., working closely with the School Board, has led initiatives that are transforming the district and positioning LPSS as the best choice for students and families. In the past year, LPSS has:
- Opened the doors of the new $120 million Lafayette High School, one of the largest investments in the district’s history.
- Raised starting teacher salaries to $50,000, resulting in pay increases for teachers across the system.
- Implemented an educator incentive plan to reward effective teaching and leadership in extracurricular and co-curricular programs.
- Funded major improvements at Acadiana High, L.J. Alleman Middle, and Judice Middle.
- Installed new turf football fields at all high schools and completed a new stadium at Southside High.
“A school system is only as strong as the partnership between its superintendent and board,” Touchet said. “It’s an honor to work with leaders who share my vision for Lafayette Parish. Every decision we make is guided by one purpose: giving our kids the best opportunities to grow and succeed.”
The newly approved northside K-8 school, spearheaded by Board Member Amy Trahan with support from Josh Edmond, will merge J.W. Faulk, Dr. Raphael A. Baranco, and Paul Breaux students into a modern community campus. Funding was made possible through budget savings identified by Touchet and his team, enabling the district to bond out $50 million for construction…