Shan Davis, who since 2009 has been education administrator for the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, has been appointed as the board’s new executive director. She takes over for Heather Cope, who announced in September she was leaving the board to take a top job with a New Jersey school district.
In her previous role at BESE, Davis has been responsible for assisting the board with research and policy development, as well as coordinating the activities of committees and advisory councils. Her experience in education as an administrator and teacher totals 24 years. As executive director, Davis will manage the operations of BESE and assist the board in all of its constitutional and statutory duties. BESE 8(g) Director Kimberly Tripeaux has served as the interim director since Cope left the board in October.
Also today, BESE announced it has approved new licensing rules for child care centers and preschool programs. Among other things, the new rules will require employees and volunteers at such facilities to complete a more intensive, fingerprint-based criminal background check, participate in annual professional development and be trained in pediatric first aid and medication administration.
Centers will also be required to post their licenses and daily schedules detailing physical activities, learning activities and rest periods. Parents will also be given flexibility to bring in food or ask for adjustments to meet any special dietary needs of their children. The new rules also establish minimum child-to-staff ratios at the facilities. BESE has more details on the new rules.
