LIVINGSTON, La. — A promising glimpse into the future of workforce education took center stage at the Aug. 21 meeting of the Livingston Parish School Board, where officials heard an update on the Louisiana High School Firefighter Training Program, now entering its fourth year of operations.
After an invocation from Vice President William Frizell and the Pledge of Allegiance led by two students, the board quickly approved the previous meeting’s minutes before turning its attention to a presentation from Brandi Desselle, CTE Coordinator; Chief Keesler Fly, Chief of Training and Safety and Live Oak High alumnus; and Chief Frank Dellucky, Training and Safety Officer.
Desselle explained that the program launched in August 2022 through a collaboration between the Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 4 and the district’s RCTE department. The goal, she said, was to offer high school students hands-on training and certifications in firefighting to prepare them for careers in public safety.
Chief Fly told board members the program began in Livingston Parish but expanded statewide following strong initial results and support from the State Fire Marshal’s Office. As a member of the state committee that approves similar training efforts, Fly said the program encourages partnerships between high schools and local fire departments across Louisiana.
“By Christmas break, they’re certified to work in a fire department,” Fly said. Students earn credentials in hazardous materials operations, vehicle extrication, power equipment use, and more—covering much of the same material taught in post-graduation fire academies.
Since its launch, the Livingston-based program has graduated 19 students and produced 59 IFSAC certifications:
May 2023: 5 graduates
May 2024: 9 graduates
May 2025: 5 graduates
Chief Dellucky added that the program boasts a 79% certification pass rate—higher than the state average for adults. Students had the opportunity to earn 72 total certifications over the past three years and successfully earned 57. Of the program’s alumni, nine are now career firefighters, with several others working part-time or volunteering.
Following the presentation, the board heard from Monica Perez with Gasaway Bankston Architects, who requested permission to advertise for bids for the Albany Elementary School renovation project. The plan involves converting an unused cafeteria into classrooms, offices, and a library. The board voted unanimously to authorize the bid.
Two additional agenda items were also unanimously approved:
Bid No. 26-03: Accountant Bridget Demonica received authorization to advertise the sale of a movable home.
Walker High School field upgrades: Jesse Simpson of Simpson Sports Engineering LLC received approval for a $22,000 change order to install remote-controlled LED lighting at the school’s baseball and softball fields. The adjustment raises the total project cost to $2,406,000 but does not add any extra days to the construction timeline.
The board also approved reports from the Budget/Goals Committee and the Curriculum/Policy Committee, both held Aug. 19.
Superintendent Jody Purvis closed the meeting with enrollment and safety updates for the 2025-2026 school year. The district has gained 117 students compared to the same time last year, he said, and 89% of students have completed the required Student Information Update.
Purvis added that all students in grades 6–12 will receive instruction on social media safety and awareness before Aug. 29.
