Lisa Tanner will take over the job of superintendent of Bogalusa City Schools this summer, and she said she plans to “investigate the status quo” and to learn everything she can about the system before she starts.

“It is with great anticipation and excitement that I begin as superintendent of the Bogalusa School System,” said Tanner, currently the principal at Franklinton High School in the Washington Parish Schools district. “I know that there are good teachers and good students. And there are successes. I will focus on those and work to extend the success.”

Tanner said her first priority would be to meet with the faculty, staff and stakeholders to determine and “re-vision” the system’s mission and vision.

“I would also like to see a district steering committee created to put together surveys, and public forums, and focus group interviews to gather feedback to help develop a strategic plan for Bogalusa City Schools,” she said.

“We will be challenged with compiling this feedback to establish themes in the content and to develop a newly re-visioned mission, vision, and set of core beliefs for the Bogalusa City Schools that can be used to chart a course for this district for the coming years.”

Improving student achievement will be her top priority, Tanner said. She said she would do that by setting specific goals that can be measured, and then focusing the system’s resources to meet those goals.

“As superintendent, I will be an instructional leader for the system,” Tanner said. “It will be my job to make sure that our students are learning and achieving at high levels. I am knowledgeable of the best practices for maximizing students’ achievement, and I will be supportive of teachers in the district.

“We will put into place data systems that help us analyze performance based on facts rather than opinions, and adjust the resources based on where the needs are. It will be hard work, and together we can do it. We will all work, under my leadership, to raise expectations and achievements.”

Tanner said she is a natural as an educator.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I have a great passion for the job and our children,” Tanner said. “I will work diligently to set the tone, make tough decisions when needed, and work with all stakeholders — parents, the community — and guide them all to work to be part of the solution of making Bogalusa City Schools the best.

“I hope that through my actions and hard work, pride will be re-established throughout the system. By modeling expectations and the characteristics of having a strong system culture and climate, we can raise the pride in our schools.

“Students must be proud of where they attend school, and they must be able to see this through the teachers and staff at every location, as well as those who lead the system from the central office. We will all work together for every child, every day. All children can succeed academically, and we will strive to make this a reality for our students.”

Tanner will officially begin her new job as superintendent on Monday, July 3.