Improvements to Pupil Appraisal Center Revealed with Leadership Livingston

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Improvements to Pupil Appraisal Center Revealed with Leadership Livingston

On Wednesday, June 14, 2023 an official reveal of improvements to the LPPS Pupil Appraisal Center in Livingston was held. The event was organized by the Leadership Livingston Program in coordination with the Livingston Parish School System.

The Pupil Appraisal Center (PAC) is charged with the duty of identifying children in Livingston Parish who may be in need of special education services. The PAC houses close to 70 staff, and serves children age 3 through 21. In the last year, the PAC saw roughly 350 children for some type of evaluation or screening.

The Leadership Group, PAC CAN PLAY, recognized a need for an improved outdoor space at the Center, for use by parents and children. Center Director, Christine McGinnis said at the reveal ceremony, “When the children come, we don't have an outdoor space for them to play. You don't have a nice waiting area for the parents to relax. So, this provides us a nice place for the kids to get their energy out and really show us their best.” The space will also serve as a break area for the PAC staff. “We have a beautiful outdoor lounge space that I know the staff is just so excited about” McGinnis continued. “When we had some folks from the project come and present to us at one of our staff meetings, it was so moving to see the staff’s reaction. They literally had tears of joy because it's just so exciting to have someone do this for us out of the kindness of their hearts.”

The project group members were David Addison, Joey Amadeo, Jeff Ard, Emily Chustz, Allison James, Michelle Parrish, Nathan Sanders, and Shelley Simmons. Funding for the project consisted of donations from local businesses, individuals, and stakeholders, as well as in-kind donations. McLin Construction assisted in overseeing the project and coordinating with vendors to add a concrete slab, fence, patio cover and ceiling fans. The group was also able to provide picnic tables and fun activities for the children, as well as much-needed supplies from the Center’s wish list.
 
About: Leadership Livingston is a program of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce, launched in 2012 as a community leadership program. It is intended participants to gather a better understanding of the working of their local communities. A project component is part of the program and is responsible for the completion of the Albany Community Park, the French Settlement Playground, the Challengers Special Needs Ball Field in Walker, the Helipad in Killian, the Full Tummy Program of Mighty Moms and nearly 27 other projects. 

Improvements to Pupil Appraisal Center Revealed with Leadership Livingston