A new principal, LaRobyn Houston, took the helm at Central Elementary School in January of this year, and Lisa Tanner, Superintendent of Bogalusa City Schools, is excited about what that could mean to Central.
Houston graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003. She returned in 2008 and after taking a semester break to have a set of twins. Despite having not just one, but two babies, she earned her Master of Educational Leadership degree in 2011.
In order to earn certification for principalship upon completing course requirements, I had to successfully pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment,” Houston said. “I am delighted to note that I earned the highest score of my entire graduate school cohort (class). An accomplishment of which I am very proud.”
Then she told us something about her philosophy of educational leadership.
“As an administrator, it is my belief that in order to lead effectively you must first be able to serve,” Houston said. “A servant leader not only manages the school environment, but also models the expectations of a successful school. As a servant leader, I will place an emphasis on the academic program, effective communication and capacity building to ensure the success of those we serve: students, staff, parents and the community.
“The faculty and staff at Central Elementary School truly function as a family. They model daily how to collaborate effectively, serve others and respect our school environment. I am honored to work with such a caring staff dedicated to doing what is best for our students. I’m a proud Spartan!”
Tanner said she’s known Houston for quite some time.
“LaRobyn and her husband Zaid were students of mine at BHS when I taught there back in the 1990’s to 2001,” she said. “They are awesome people!  She is a hometown girl who began her teaching career here in Bogalusa before leaving to go to Hammond and other destinations in south Louisiana. She has been a teacher, assistant principal, and principal of some very successful schools.
“I know that she brings much knowledge with her, educationally sound leadership skills, and she will move our school forward to be successful. She is already loved by her faculty, staff, and kids, in the short time she has been here. She is a delight, and so knowledgeable.”
And, judging by her interactions with students, she practices what she preaches on the servant leader front.