St. Mary students set to being 2026-27 school year

A year of change is ahead for St. Mary Parish public schools, which begin classes for the 2026-27 year Friday.
Immanuel Christian School’s year also begins Friday. Central Catholic will begin with short days Thursday.
The parish’s public schools will begin the year with a new superintendent for the fourth time since 2015. Dr. Rachael Sanders was appointed to the post in April.
“As we prepare to welcome students back, our entire St. Mary Parish Public Schools family is excited for another year of learning, growth, and opportunity,” Sanders said Monday in an email. “There is nothing quite like the energy that students bring to our schools, and we look forward to helping every child succeed.”
The St. Mary system enters the year on a roll. In the last eight months, the district has learned it ranks among the top three parishes in LEAP test growth; saw Patterson Junior High Principal Lauren Rentrop win state Principal of the Year honors; and celebrated when Raintree Elementary custodian Donella Wagner was recognized as a U.S. Department of Education Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Award honoree.
But the district will also face some continuing challenges, including declining enrollment.
On Oct. 1, 2025, K-12 enrollment was 6,719, down 240 from the preceding year.
As enrollment declines, so does funding from the state’s Minimum Foundation Program, an important source of revenue.
“I want to remind families that attendance matters,” Sanders said in her email. “Every day in school is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build relationships. We look forward to partnering with our families to make this a successful school year because at St. Mary Parish Public Schools our commitment is to Every Student. Every Day.”
The superintendent also urged families “to take advantage of the many opportunities our district offers, from academics to athletics, clubs, band, and the arts. We’re also pleased to reintroduce our Virtual Learning Option for students whose needs are better served outside of a traditional classroom while remaining connected to our public school system.”
She also urged everyone to keep safety in mind.
“As always, safety is our top priority,” she said. “We ask parents to review school expectations with their children, and we encourage everyone in our community to slow down in school zones and watch carefully for students walking, biking, or boarding buses.”
Politics will be part of the coming year, too. The 11 School Board members will be up for re-election this fall.
Before the 2022 election, the School Board membership was dominated by members with decades of service behind them. As a result of that election, plus resignations and the death of longtime member Joseph Foulcard, a majority of the members are now completing their first full terms.
Elsewhere, another educator with St. Mary ties has become a superintendent. Former Patterson High Principal Amy Vaccarella was appointed to lead Houma-Thibodaux Diocese schools. Her appointment was effective in July.