KEY TAKEAWAYS: Mary Lumetta was selected as the next St. Bernard Parish Public Schools superintendent, succeeding longtime leader Doris Voitier. Doris Voitier is retiring after 55 years with the district, including leading its recovery following Hurricane Katrina. Under Voitier’s leadership, the district expanded dual enrollment, universal Pre-K4 and achieved record student academic success. Construction continues on a Ninth Grade Academy expansion expected to be completed in fall 2026.   After 55 years serving St. Bernard Parish Public Schools, including leading the district through its darkest days following Hurricane Katrina and its rise to becoming a top-performing school system, Superintendent Doris Voitier is retiring. Another long-time educator Mary Lumetta, the former deputy superintendent who has worked at the district for more than 36 years, was named Votier’s successor. The school board voted on her appointment to begin contract negotiations at its June 23 board meeting. Lumetta has served as curriculum coordinator, testing and accountability coordinator, a middle and high school supervisor of instruction and deputy superintendent. Prior to joining the district, she was a high school mathematics teacher and college mathematics instructor. She is a graduate of the former Andrew Jackson High School in Chalmette. Four high-achieving QuestBridge Scholars from St. Bernard Parish Public Schools wear merchandise representing their selected colleges. As superintendent, she will take the helm of the district, overseeing seven elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school and an alternative school. She will be responsible for leading a school system that educates more than 7,500 students and employs more than 1,000 teachers, administrators and support personnel. Voitier announced she will step down following the 2025-26 school year, closing a career that began as a math teacher at Chalmette High School and ultimately made her one of the state’s most respected education leaders. Named superintendent in 2004, just one year before Hurricane Katrina devastated St. Bernard Parish, Voitier became the steady hand that guided the district through recovery. Under her leadership, schools reopened, facilities were rebuilt, families returned and the district regained not only its footing but emerged stronger than before. “Ms. Voitier’s tenure has been defined by steady leadership, deep institutional knowledge and an unwavering commitment to public education,” the district said in announcing her retirement. “She is widely recognized for guiding the district through its recovery and rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina, helping to restore not only school facilities, but a sense of stability and hope for the entire community.” The St. Bernard Parish Public School System’s LEAP Connect Dual Enrollment Program in partnership with Nunez Community College provides students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a pathway to employment. In recognition of that leadership, Voitier received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2007. She also served on the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education from 2016 to 2024, helping shape education policy statewide while continuing to lead St. Bernard Parish. “Her experience, leadership and unwavering commitment to this district have guided our schools through both our most challenging moments and our greatest successes,” School Board President Diana Dysart said. Voitier’s career spans generations of students and educators. Beginning as a classroom teacher at Chalmette High School, she served in numerous district leadership positions before becoming superintendent. During her tenure, enrollment rebounded as families returned to St. Bernard Parish, and the district expanded opportunities for students through universal Pre-K4 for parish residents and an extensive dual-enrollment partnership with Nunez Community College. The district also celebrated a banner year academically during Voitier’s final year at the helm. The NSDAR François deLery Chapter honored St. Bernard Parish Superintendent Doris Voitier with a Women in History Award. Among the Class of 2026’s accomplishments were 17 associate degrees, 60 Certificates of Technical Studies, more than 305 seniors participating in dual-enrollment courses and more than 6,158 college credit hours earned. Students also earned more than 1,840 industry-based certifications. The graduating class also set a new school record by earning more than $30 million in scholarship offers, the highest total in Chalmette High School history. Eight seniors graduated as valedictorians and two students were named National Merit Semifinalists. The district’s innovative LEAP Connect Dual Enrollment Program also marked a successful first year. The initiative, which serves students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a partnership with Nunez Community College and support from LSU, provides a pathway from education to employment. All participating students finished their first semester in good academic standing and ten students secured internships with organizations including BG Grocery, the St. Bernard Government Complex, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, Coffee House in Arabi, Milestones Child Development, the New Orleans Children’s Museum, Balcony Ballroom and the Royal Sonesta New Orleans. The internships provide hands-on workplace experience while helping students build confidence, responsibility and career skills. St. Bernard Parish students also earned national recognition through its Chalmette High School ProStart Management Team, a hospitality-based skills-based and leadership program. Students finished second in the nation at the 2026 National ProStart Invitational. The team’s concept, Honua’s Table, a Hawaiian restaurant centered on sustainability and authentic flavors, impressed judges with its professionalism, creativity and detailed business presentation. Construction is underway to expand the Ninth Grade Academy with seven additional classrooms and a conference room that will connect directly to the existing freshmen academy. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2026. ...read more read less