Livingston School Principals Prepare for New Year, Welcome New Administrators
SATSUMA, La. – Principals and school administrators from across Livingston Parish met at the Suma Professional Development Center late last month for an “Aloha” welcome back for the new school year.
The administrators dressed in Hawaiian-themed attire and enjoyed tropical refreshments during their first meeting of the 2019-2020 school year, in preparation for students returning on Aug. 9.
At that meeting, the group welcomed four new administrators, including Supervisor of Instruction Kelly Jones, who had previously served as principal of Denham Springs High School for 11 years. He replaces Jody Purvis, who was elevated to assistant superintendent.
Other new appointments include Denham Springs High School Principal Wes Howard, Northside Elementary Principal Ginger Bishop and South Fork Elementary Principal Misti Thomason.
During the meeting, Superintendent Joe Murphy and central office staff presented relevant policy changes, reviewed the latest scores released by the State Department of Education, and updated participants on the district’s ongoing efforts to fully recover from the
2016 flood. The group also heard a presentation on this year’s Assess the Need campaign, which provides school supplies to needy students throughout the parish.
All teachers and staff in Livingston Parish Schools will return to their campuses this Tuesday, Aug. 6, to finalize preparations for students arriving on Friday, Aug. 9.

Livingston Parish School Superintendent Joe Murphy, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, orange lei, sun hat and skin protective nose guard, presented his “Aloha” greetings to principals as they met at the Suma Professional Development Center in July to prepare for the new school year. Several principals participated in the Hawaiian-themed fun.

Livingston Parish Public School recently welcomed new appointed administrators, including, from left to right: Livingston Parish Supervisor of Instruction Kelly Jones, South Fork Elementary Principal Misti Thomason, Northside Elementary Principal Ginger Bishop and Denham Springs High School Principal Wes Howard.
Livingston Director of Child Welfare Attendance and Expulsions Ed Foster dresses for the district’s Hawaiian-themed principals meeting in July.