DeSoto Parish Schools is honored to announce that Mrs. Amanda LaFollette, Principal of Mansfield Elementary School, has been named the 2025 Louisiana Elementary School Principal of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, co-sponsored by Dream Teachers! This remarkable achievement makes Mrs. LaFollette the third consecutive division winner for Louisiana Principal of the Year from DeSoto Parish. Mrs. Tamela Phillips, former Principal of North DeSoto High School, won the 2023 Louisiana High School Principal of the Year. Mr. Barry Carter, Principal of North DeSoto Middle School, won the 2024 Louisiana Middle School Principal of the Year.
With Mrs. LaFollette's guidance, Mansfield Elementary has flourished. It embodies DeSoto Parish Schools' core values of high performance, a positive and caring culture, making a difference, and preserving our small-town traditions. It showcases the outstanding leadership and dedication within our community.
Superintendent Clay Corley stated, "It's truly awesome to see Mrs. LaFollette receive this prestigious award. Her impact is immeasurable, and her influence is a shining example of #TheDeSotoDifference in action. I couldn't be prouder of her and the Mansfield Elementary community for this well-deserved honor."
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.
Director of Administration, Mr. Brandon Burback also praised Mrs. LaFollette’s achievements by saying, "We are so proud of Mrs. LaFollette! She has always exhibited a passion for caring for those she serves. Her ability to skillfully implement strategy, paired with her desire to create a positive and caring culture, exemplifies the value of high performance. Thank you, Mrs. LaFollette, for your dedication and devotion to those that you serve."
Mrs. Bridget Flanders, Director of Student Learning, commended Mrs. LaFollette’s commitment to excellence and said, "It is such a joy to see Mrs. LaFollette honored for her impact and continues to make at MES. Her hard work and dedication to excellence is an inspiration to us all."
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. Her outstanding leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff have set a remarkable standard for excellence. Her innovative approach and heartfelt passion for education have not only driven our school to achieve significant academic success but also created a warm, supportive environment where each student feels valued and empowered.
Principal LaFollette states that this honor is representative to the hard work of her staff and students: "I am so grateful for this recognition, which has provided me with the opportunity to showcase the excellent work that everyone at Mansfield Elementary School does every day. I was called to education to make a difference in the lives of children who need it the most, and I am so blessed that Desoto Parish has given me the privilege to do that. Being honored for doing what I love is truly unbelievable."
The 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Awards Gala was held at the World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA, on the evening of July 27, 2024. During the event, the Department announced the 2025 State Elementary, Middle, and High School Teacher and Principal of the Year honorees, the 2025 New Teacher of the Year, and the 2025 Early Childhood Leader and Teacher of the Year. To learn more about the award winners visit:
https://louisianabelieves.com/newsroom/news-releases/release/2024/07/28/louisiana-state-teacher-and-principal-of-the-year-announced-during-annual-gala-recognizing-education-excellence.
For more information about the DeSoto Parish School System and its commitment to providing quality education, please visit www.desotopsb.com.