St. Mary schools name three new principals

St. Mary Parish public schools have named two new principals and one who is returning to lead Patterson High.
Announced last week were the appointments of Rebecca Pye as principal at Bayou Vista Elementary; Laquanda Gray as principal at Franklin Junior High; and Lane Larive, who returns as principal at Patterson High.
Two were named to posts left vacant by earlier appointments by Superintendent Dr. Rachael Sanders.
Pye replaces Kiante Gunner, who was named the district’s new director of human resources. Gray succeeds J Ina, who will be the new director of child welfare and attendance.
Larive follows Amy Vaccarella at Patterson. Vaccarella was recently named superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.
Larive, a Patterson High graduate, had previously served as PHS principal for four years.
The district praised Larive for increasing student achievement, improving discipline and fostering a sense of school spirit.
“I am incredibly honored to lead PHS and look forward to working alongside our students, staff, family and communities,” Larive said in the school’s announcement for his appointment.
Pye has served as assistant principal at Berwick Elementary for five years. She has worked on the Instructional Leadership Team and the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Team, where she “helped lead initiatives focused on student achievement, school culture and overall school success,” the school district said.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this incredible school community,” Pye said in her announcement.
Gray is currently the Franklin Junior High assistant principal. She helped implement the STAR Academy initiative. She has also served as Title I and PBIS chair.
“I am deeply committed to the mission and vision of Franklin Junior High School,” Gray said.