LSU hosts inaugural summit to support rural Louisiana schools

Leaders address rural school challenges

Education leaders participated in panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on the challenges facing rural schools. These sessions provided networking opportunities for participants to share resources for rural education.

Discussions centered on workforce development and funding shortfalls. Leaders explored methods to strengthen schools and communities across Louisiana.

Experts highlight funding and curriculum gaps

Thompson said rural parishes rely on state and federal funding, local businesses, and community support because they lack the additional revenue sources available to foundations in larger urban regions.

Pierre argued that the success of Louisiana depends on the success of its rural communities and school districts. He urged policymakers and educators to recognize that rural communities are a vital resource for the state and should never be undervalued. LSU and its partner entities must work with local school systems and businesses to support success in rural Louisiana, Pierre said.

Former LSU head women’s gymnastics coach D-D Breaux, a Donaldsonville native, delivered a keynote address on creating opportunities for the next generation of rural leaders. Breaux said rural high schools must provide advanced math, chemistry, and physics courses to ensure students meet college admission requirements and remain competitive. She advocated for increased state and local funding to improve teacher pay so that educators are not forced to hold multiple jobs to make ends meet. Kaileah Calloway is a sophomore communication major at the University of Louisiana Monroe.

Public health specialist emphasizes student retention

Jasmin Mathews, a public health specialist from Southern University, said rural students require guidance to navigate new industries. She added that these students should be incentivized to remain in the state.

State launches $18 million ÉTOUFFÉE digital initiative

Governor Jeff Landry and ConnectLA announced an $18 million workforce development partnership called ÉTOUFFÉE on November 11, 2026, in Alexandria. The initiative provides over 25,000 Mac and iPad devices to 11 Louisiana organizations to improve access to digital skills training.

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System receives 13,000 of these devices to expand distance learning to 10 parishes that currently lack adult education sites.

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Landry said, "We’re bringing high-speed internet to rural Louisiana and attracting new jobs across our state". "If you’ve worked a full shift and the nearest class is a parish away, having a computer and someone to show you how to use it can mean taking that class right at your kitchen table". "That’s how we build on the investments we’ve made and help more Louisianians earn a good living in the communities that raised them".

Apple devices were selected because they include accessibility features such as magnification software, screen readers, and voice navigation to assist users with disabilities. "Mac and iPad are profoundly accessible and provide incredible capabilities, equipping people with the tools to realize their full potential". "We can’t wait to see how Louisianans use these new devices to connect, learn, and seek out new opportunities".

The program aims to overcome barriers related to limited internet speed and device access by providing free device lending, public computer labs, and educational support. ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar said, "We’re building high-speed internet across Louisiana so people can put it to work". "Through ÉTOUFFÉE, residents can walk into a place they already trust, get their hands on a device they can use, and have someone show them how". "We’ll measure success by what people are able to do next, whether that’s finish a course, find a job, or make a medical appointment they would have had to drive an hour to keep".

LSUS recognized as top online college

Newsweek and Statista ranked Louisiana State University Shreveport as the top online college in Louisiana. The university serves more than 11,000 students, with the majority of learners enrolled in online programs.

Niche.com previously named the institution the best value college in Louisiana.

Summit contact information

Dr. Jaleesa Thompson is the primary contact for the summit. Interested parties can reach her via email at jthompson@louisianaruraled.org.