At the Learning Counsel Learning Futures & Tech Media Meeting in New Orleans, a panel moderated by LeiLani Cauthen, CEO of the Learning Counsel, brought together two Louisiana school leaders to reflect on progress, challenges, and moments of pride in their districts. Justin Wax, Principal of Denham Springs Junior High School in Livingston Parish Public Schools, and Bill Gallagher, Principal of Northshore High School in the St. Tammany Parish Public School System, shared insights into the accomplishments that are reshaping education in the state.
A Statewide Story of Growth in Literacy and Numeracy
When asked what he was most proud of, Justin Wax pointed to a broader statewide transformation in Louisiana’s education landscape.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is to see the work and the efforts that everybody in education in Louisiana has been putting towards literacy and numeracy,” Wax said.
He highlighted significant gains across the state, noting improvements in student performance, particularly among historically underserved populations. Wax emphasized the progress of English language learners and students who previously underperformed on national benchmarks but are now ranking near the top.
For Wax, these gains represent more than improved test scores—they reflect a changing narrative about education in Louisiana. “To see Louisiana really kind of changing the story about what education is in our area is incredibly powerful,” he said, underscoring the collective effort of educators, administrators, and policymakers to drive systemic improvement.
Building a Legacy Through Alumni Educators
Bill Gallagher shared a deeply personal and community-centered success story from Northshore High School. He described a growing trend that symbolizes the strength of the school’s culture and impact: alumni returning to teach where they once learned.
“Currently at Northshore High, about 25 percent of our faculty are alumni of the school,” Gallagher said.
In a time when teacher recruitment and retention are major challenges nationwide, Gallagher described this as both a “little win and a big win.” Having former students return as educators reflects not only the quality of the school experience but also a strong sense of pride and belonging within the community.
To celebrate this milestone, Northshore High featured its alumni staff members on the school’s annual Christmas card—a visible tribute to the enduring connection between the school and its graduates.
A Shared Message of Progress and Community
The panel discussion highlighted two powerful dimensions of educational success: systemic academic improvement and community-driven school culture. Wax’s remarks emphasized statewide academic gains and equity, while Gallagher’s story illustrated the importance of building relationships and inspiring future educators.
Moderated by LeiLani Cauthen, the conversation underscored that progress in education is multifaceted. It includes academic outcomes, but also the human stories that sustain schools—teachers, students, alumni, and communities working together to shape the future.
Looking Ahead
As Louisiana continues to invest in literacy, numeracy, and teacher development, leaders like Wax and Gallagher demonstrate how progress happens at both the policy level and within individual school communities. Their reflections at the Learning Counsel meeting served as a reminder that meaningful change is driven by both data and people—by measurable growth and by the pride that comes from building schools where students thrive and return to give back.
Tune in below to see the full panel discussion.
