South Elementary principal named

Submitted photo
Keshia LaVergne
Submitted photo Keshia LaVergne

The Jefferson City School District has selected a new principal for South Elementary School next year.

Keshia LaVergne will serve as principal of South Elementary, succeeding Teri Tillinghast, who plans to teach third grade at Lawson Elementary School, according to a Monday news release.

LaVergne is the current principal at W.O. Gray Elementary in Mesquite, Texas. Her 20-year education career began in a science classroom at Ann O'Donnell Middle School in Alief, Texas, and included stints as a high school teacher and a Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment Facilitator overseeing curriculum and exams at Mesquite Independent School District in Mesquite, Texas.

As an administrator, LaVergne has developed campus needs assessments, improvement plans and audits. She has also focused on professional learning, student involvement and community engagement.

"As a building principal, I believe strongly in creating and maintaining an inclusive culture where teacher and student growth is recognized and celebrated," Keshia LaVergne said in a district news release. "My passion for results drives me to be the best visionary leader I can be through my commitment to improving both student and teacher performance. I am very much looking forward to joining the South Elementary family."

She is a member of the National Science Teachers Association, National Education Association, Science Teachers Association of Texas, Texas Science Education Leadership Association, Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association and Texas Alliance of Black School Educators and is a believer in professional learning communities.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Keshia to the JC Schools leadership team. She has a tenacious approach to student success and a determination to see every student succeed," Troy Hogg, JC Schools assistant superintendent of elementary education, said in the release. "As a principal, Keshia focuses on building relationships and partnering with families to help kids increase their academic achievement. This mindset will be instrumental in helping South Elementary continue to grow and thrive."

LaVergne holds a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Southern University and A&M College and master's degrees in educational technology leadership from McNeese State University and educational administration from Lamar University.

Lavergne and her husband, Douglas, who was recently named dean of the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences at Lincoln University, will be moving to Jefferson City with their three sons. She plans to visit and meet South Elementary students, parents and staff in March.