The DeSoto Parish School System is honored to announce that Mrs. Amanda LaFollette, principal of Mansfield Elementary School, has been named one of twenty-four semifinalists for the 2025 Principal of the Year award by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Mrs. Bridget Flanders, Director of Student Learning, states, "It is evident that Mrs. LaFollette believes in her students, staff, and the entire Wolverine community. Her service and advocacy exemplify the mission, values, and beliefs of DeSoto Parish Schools."
Student outcomes at Mansfield Elementary School have improved significantly this past school year. Mansfield Elementary serves as the pilot school for DeSoto Parish Schools' Student Wellness program and has been named a model of excellence for literacy by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Superintendent Clay Corley added, "Mrs. LaFollette's recognition as a semifinalist is a testament to her exceptional leadership and the transformative impact she has on our educational community. Her passion for children and commitment to excellence have not only elevated Mansfield Elementary but also continued a proud legacy of exemplary educational leadership in our district."
Supervisor of Administration, Mr. Brandon Burback, can speak to Principal LaFollette's leadership and the capacity she has built around her team to ensure successful student outcomes.We are so proud of
Mrs. Lafollette and her passion for students and their achievements. Mrs. LaFollette has built capacity in her TEAM to ensure students are cared for and challenged with strategic, differentiated scheduling and instruction that meets students at their point of need while crafting a progressive learning path that ensures balanced support and rigor toward mastery.
As a native of DeSoto Parish, Mrs. LaFollette began her education career in the school system as a math teacher at Mansfield High School in 2002. She taught math for fourteen years at Mansfield High School, where she served as the cheerleader and the initial sponsor of the National Beta Club. After she served as a career teacher, Mrs. LaFollette became a Master Teacher in 2016, supporting math teachers both at Mansfield High School and Mansfield Middle School. LaFollette's stint as Mansfield Elementary School's Principal began in the 2020-2021 school year.
Principal LaFollette recognizes her school's dedication by saying, "I'm very excited that our Little Wolverines' hard work has been recognized. We are so blessed with amazing students and a staff of superheroes! It's a joy to be the principal at MES!"
All semi finalists and finalists will be honored at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 27. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.
For more information on the announcement of the Principal and Teacher of the Year semifinalists, visit Louisiana Believes.