Livingston Parish Public Schools has announced its Principal of the Year winners for the 2024-25 school year.
Honorees are French Settlement High School Principal John Chewning, LPPS High School Principal of the Year; Denham Springs Junior High Principal Justin Wax, LPPS Middle School Principal of the Year; and French Settlement Elementary Principal Josh Martin, LPPS Elementary Principal of the Year.
The three are selected based on their success with students and their work to support teachers, according to a news release. Every year, one principal at each level -- elementary, middle/junior high, and high school -- are selected as district-level winners and they move on to compete in the state competition.
The Louisiana Department of Education will select a top principal in each level, and an overall outstanding principal during a special ceremony following this school year.
"We are very proud to present these three principals as this year's top honorees. They exemplify a commitment to excellence that we expect among our school system leadership," Superintendent Jody Purvis said.
Chewning has served as principal of French Settlement High School since 2020, where he has worked to create a positive, inclusive environment for students and staff, according to the release. Student scores, including ACT scores, have grown at his campus every year for the past four years, and FSHS consistently ranks at the top of the parish's graduation index.
Under his leadership, the school has added a medical nursing lab and certification program, HVAC certification, and sports production and news program. He also has revamped the school's ProStart culinary program and gained recognition for expanding computer science enrollment for girls.
"I believe that at the heart of student success is the belief that a positive school environment, built on strong relationships and a sense of community, is key. When students feel connected and invested, their attitude becomes the driving force behind their achievement. I firmly believe that your attitude truly determines your altitude," Chewning said.
He was recently named the 2024 Favorite High School Principal by Baton Rouge Parents Magazine, an honor reflecting his strong connection to the school community. In addition to his role at FSHS, Chewning serves as vice president of the Livingston Parish Principals Association and is a member of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Executive Committee, where he advocates for the success of both students and student-athletes across the state.
Wax is in his fourth year as principal of Denham Springs Junior High. Under his leadership, the campus has expanded its high-school level STEM classes and created an Aquaponics Lab, and his school has become a 1-to-1 technology school, where every student is provided with a laptop.
Wax has overseen several safety initiatives as well, including the installation of an app-controlled access system, air quality monitors/vape detectors on campus.
He maintains a strong partnership with Mighty Moms, a community-based provider of free meals for needy families, and he has piloted fee waiver programs for students in poverty. Wax also serves as vice president of the Livingston Parish Principals Association.
"My approach to leadership is based in treating every student like they are my own, educating through the eyes of caring parent to love them, and giving them #ThreeYearsOfAwesome," Wax said, noting that his campus houses three grades -- sixth, seventh and eighth grades.
Martin has served as principal of French Settlement Elementary since 2020, where he has focused his efforts on building a supportive school culture that empowers both students and teachers, according to the release.
He overhauled the schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports plan by shifting to a focus of positive rewards that reinforce and celebrates behaviors that contribute to a respectful and inclusive school environment.
"It is my belief that students flourish in environments where they feel valued and recognized. A school culture that emphasizes positive reinforcement not only encourages good behavior but also builds self-confidence, especially for students who may need extra support," Martin said.
At the same time, Martin has addressed the literacy needs of students by incorporating innovative instructional approaches, and he has worked to introduce new teaching standards early in the process to create an environment for greater success.