|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
People SearchFind an individual who either played a sport or was a member of a support group. Search by last name by clicking on the first letter of the person's last name.
Mr. Romain Picard (Deceased)
Home:
Work:
Home Phone: -- Mr. Romain Picard (Deceased) My father, Romain Picard, passed away on July 6, 1966 at the age of 57. He played six-man football and participated in track (shot-put and discus) at SLI (1928-1931?). He was a member of the “S” club and faithfully attended SLI and USL football games and track meets in the 40’s, 50’s and early 60’s. He worked in the Vermilion Parish School System for 32 years as a teacher, coach, and principal. He was at Lelux Elementary, north of Kaplan, from 1934-35 to 1942. From 1942 to 1966, he was principal at Maurice High School. Bob Moser Ground was broken Friday for a 40,000 square-foot building next to the LITE Center for the Cecil. J. Picard Center for Child Development, where research goals of the former state superintendent of education can be fully realized. Expected to be built within two years at a cost of $7.2 million, the new complex will include a research library, distance education conference center, and an analysis center for tracking Louisiana children’s educational progress from birth to age 25, making it one of the nation’s premier child development centers. Picard championed the power of research and hard facts in forming opinions and policy for public education, said Gov. Kathleen Blanco at the event. Facts proved the significance of the state’s LA 4 program, which focuses on shaping children’s learning habits before they leave the fourth grade, to state legislators last year. “It’s pretty exciting to know that facts can drive funding,” Blanco said. The Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development was established at UL in 2005, and is now operating in temporary offices at O.K. Allen Hall. Twenty researchers focus on areas like early childhood and K-12 education, and the center partners with agencies like the Office of Youth Development, the Office of Mental Health and the Department of Education while evaluating state programs like LA 4. The new center will house UL’s Educational Counseling Unit, the Center for Innovative Learning and Assessment Technologies, the Educational Foundation and Leadership Department, the Center for Gifted Education and the Department of Psychology. The center benefited from donations by Loyd J. Rockhold and the Special Children’s Foundation, which provided three endowed chair positions and $2 million toward construction of the new building. But a long-term effort by Blanco, UL President Ray Authement and others were key to fully realizing and funding the center. “The governor and her administration made this center a priority in the budget and we will deliver on our promise to become a leader in educational research,” said center Director Billy Stokes in a press statement. Athletic Network Footnote: Cecil Picard is the son of the late Romain Picard, Football and Track, in the late 1920s and early 30s. His profile was designed, in part, by Cecil Picard prior to his passing. Click below for the photo gallery of the dedication ceremonies. http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=DG&Date=20071214&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=712140806&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=16 Originally published December 15, 2007 Cecil J. Picard, BA, SLI, 1959 The enclosed stories are about Cecil Picard and were posted by the Athletic Network on Feb. 18, 2007. Click on the guestbook icon to express your thoughts and comments with the family. Obituary Posted in www.mourning.com Cecil J. Picard BATON ROUGE, La.”Cecil J. Picard”, the third longest serving State Superintendent of Education in Louisiana history, and the catalyst for many nationally recognized educational initiatives including Louisiana’s Accountability Program and the LA 4 Pre-K initiative, has died. He was 69 years-old. Picard died Thursday afternoon, February 15, 2007, from complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. His loving wife and family were by his side. Picard began his life on January 1, 1938 in Maurice, Louisiana, the son of Romain and Evangeline. He grew up on the grounds of Maurice High School where his father served as principal. Picard often recounted peering into the school’s windows as a boy, too young to attend classes, curious to see what the teachers and students were doing inside. Picard later recalled thinking that he never wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps as an educator, knowing the difficult realities of leading a school. Despite his misgivings, Picard graduated from Maurice High School and set off to achieve a degree in Upper Elementary Education from Southwestern Louisiana Institute, which later became the University of Southwestern Louisiana and then the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in Administration and Supervision from Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville, Texas. In 1959, Picard began his educational career as a teacher at LeBlanc Elementary School in Erath, Louisiana. He became a teacher and coach at Maurice High School in 1962; but upon his father’s death in 1969, he stepped into his father’s position as principal and leader of the school. Picard always believed that education needed to be a top priority in Louisiana, but he knew if he wanted to have an impact, he would have to leave the schoolhouse for the statehouse to accomplish his goals. So, in 1976 he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. In 1979, he was elected to the Louisiana Senate serving a combined 20 years as a legislator. He was a long-time member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Education. He also served as Chairman of the Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs and the Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs. As a member of the Senate, Picard was lead author of more than 50 pieces of legislation and championed numerous education reform initiatives aimed at improving education in Louisiana, including the Educational Employees Professional Improvement Program (1980), the law requiring mandatory kindergarten (1984), the Children First Act (1988) and the law creating Louisiana?s first Early Childhood Opportunity Program (1992). Picard became State Superintendent of Education in 1996, making him the third longest serving superintendent in Louisiana history, behind Thomas H. Harris (1908-40) and Shelby M. Jackson (1948-64). Picard worked closely with 5 governors and 8 administrations, including those of Governors Edwin Edwards, Dave Treen, Buddy Roemer, Mike Foster and Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. He was scheduled to retire effective May 1, 2007. During his tenure as the state’s top education leader, Picard transformed Louisiana from one of the worst performing states academically, to one of the nation’s leaders in education reform. Picard led the way in developing Louisiana’s Accountability Program that is currently ranked number one in the nation by Education Week Magazine. Under his leadership, Louisiana was also ranked number one in the country for its efforts to improve teacher quality and has shown improvement in almost every national indicator available, including ACT scores, NAEP tests, The Iowa Tests and the state’s LEAP and Graduation Exit Exams. After Hurricane Katrina, Picard greatly assisted impacted school systems in their recovery efforts, especially in New Orleans. However, Picard considered his most important contribution to be the creation of Louisiana’s pre-K program for at-risk students, LA 4 which is now a model for the nation in early childhood education. Although education was his lifelong endeavor, his happiness came from spending time with his family, (particularly his four grandchildren) duck hunting with his friends and sons, and traveling the world with his wife. He had an affinity for sharing good wine and cigars with his friends. He also loved thoroughbred horse racing, a passion passed on to his children and grandchildren. Picard was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in May of 2005. He aggressively battled the disease since his diagnosis including participating in experimental drug trials in hopes of prolonging his health. Visitation will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maurice, Louisiana from 6:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2007. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues Monday, February 19, 2007 from 8:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maurice, Louisiana at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 19, 2007. Overflow seating will be available at Maurice Elementary School, 203 S. Albert Avenue. Entombment will be in the church mausoleum. The Rev. O. Joseph Breaux, Pastor will be the Celebrant of the funeral Mass and will conduct the services co-celebrated by Rev. Patrick Primeaux, Rev. Keith J. Derouen, Rev. Louis J. Richard and Rev. Martin Leonards. Eulogists will be Charles R. Sonnier, Jimmy Long and Carole Butler-Wallin. Jodi Bollich, vocalist, accompanied by Raymond Hebert, vocalist, will sing for the services, “Here I Am Lord”, “Amazing Grace”, “Taste and See”, “Old Rugged Cross”, and “Be Not Afraid”. Pallbearers will be Roland “Rip” Eveland, Jr., Roland “Rob” Eveland III., Robert S. Walker, Eugene M. Sellers, Jason LeBlanc, Charles R. Sonnier, Jansen LeBlanc and Kenneth Picard. Honorary Pallbearers will be the employees of the Louisiana Department of Education. Survivors include his beloved wife, Gaylen David Picard; two sons, Tyron D. Picard and his wife, Elizabeth Guglielmo and Mark Lane Picard; four grandchildren, Stephanie Marie Picard, Madeline Ann Picard, William Andrew “Drew” Picard and John Wright Picard; one sister, Geraldine “Gerry” Picard LeBlanc; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Fadra David; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Eveland. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Picard’s name to The Cecil Picard Endowment Fund, benefiting The Early Childhood Development Center at The University of Louisiana-Lafayette, c/o the Community Foundation of Acadiana, P.O. Box 3892, Lafayette, Louisiana 70502-3892. The family would like to thank Dr. Jody Rosson, Dr. Leo Dealvare, Dr. Ed Lyons, and Dr. Charles Bowers for their care and compassion. The family would like to give special thanks to his friend and hunting companion, Dr. Steve Abshire, as well as the 5th floor nursing staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, his Home Health Sitters, Rashanda Evans, and Aneka Duhon, and Mike Michot with Premiere Medical for their kindness and gentle care given to Mr. Picard during his time of need. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette is in charge of the arrangements. Cecil J. Picard Name: Bruce and Andrea Leininger Relation: Friend and Neighbor From: Friend and Neighbor Tribute: Dear Tyron, Elizabeth, Drew and John Wright, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time, and we hope that the outpouring of support and admiration from your friends and the community is a help to you as you mourn this tragic loss. As a community leader, Mr. Cecil used his knowledge, influence and hard work to reform education in the state of Louisiana, a legacy which will positively influence every child in the state, including our own. We owe a debt of gratitude to him for his dedicated efforts, and are proud to have had to chance to know him. If you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to let us know. Your Friends, Bruce and Andrea Leininger ——————————————————————————– Name: Jo Lynne DeMary Relation: fellow chief From: Jo Lynne and Tony Tribute: Gaylen, Tony and I were saddened to hear of Cecil’s death. We so enjoyed being with the two of you at our many CCSSO events and seeing your love for each other. What a competent and caring superintendent he was and you were an incredible partner. I shall never forget our annual meeting in New Orleans. Best wishes and a lot of love to you and your family. ——————————————————————————– Name: Valarie Henandez Relation: Friend-Lane From: Valarie Hernandez Tribute: My prayers are with you all!!! ——————————————————————————– Name: barry herbert Relation: Former student From: Barry Tribute: Job well done Mr. Picard, you,ve certainly deserve a rest though your Family will miss you dearly. May God keep all your family and friends while you,re away. God Bless, farewell for now. ——————————————————————————– Name: Bishop Raymond Captville Relation: Friend From: Raymond Tribute: To the family: Cecil will be missed by many. He made a positive impact on many lives. May God continue to bless you as you mourn his absence. ——————————————————————————– Name: ELAINE L. MANN Relation: Friend of the family From: ELAINE L. MANN Tribute: My sincere sympathy. Elaine L. Mann ——————————————————————————– Name: Wayne & Betty Perry Relation: Friend Name: John Loveless Landry Relation: Close friend entire school years grades 1 thru 12 From: Close friend entire school years grades 1 thru 12 Tribute: Cecil was my close friend while attending school from the first grade on. I used to exchange my art work for his comic books and visited his home frequently. Cecil was instrumental in finding employment for me after I retired from the U.S. Navy in 1980. Cecil was the only one younger than I in school having been born 16 days after me. I will never forget Cecil. Loveless Landry ——————————————————————————– Name: Jimmy Gunter Relation: friend From: friend Tribute: Dear Gaylen and family, I am so sorry to hear of Cecil’s death. Cecil was principal at Abbeville High School for the first ten years of my teaching career. I will always remember him for his expertise and leadership in his field as well as a true friend and confidant. Please accept my sincere condolences and prayers in your loss. Jimmy Gunter ——————————————————————————– Name: Name: Donna Landry Relation: RN at OLOL RMC Outpt Tribute: Mrs. Picard, I am so humbly saddened at the loss of such a fine man that we were allowed to become acquanited with. Always coming early in the morning to get “things” started, and always did so well. We’ll NEVER forget the funny ring tone on his phone. I consider it a pleasure to have known him. Thank you for coming our way. LORD bless, Donna Landry and the staff. ——————————————————————————– Name: Cindy Brown Relation: Retired Principal, Jefferson Parish From: Retired Principal, Jefferson Parish Tribute: Cecil will be remembered as the one of the best, if not THE best, Education Superintendent that La. has ever had. He had “walked in our shoes” and knew the difficulties and joys that we experienced on a daily basis. His love of children and education shown through in his speeches–the words he chose and the expressions he exhibited. He came to read to my elementary students at Vic Pitre, in Westwego, several years ago and always attended our annual JAPSA conference on the Gulf Coast. His determination, his jovial personality, his love of the children of this state and his respect for educators will be missed every day. I know his absence will provide a deep void in his family but there will also be a tremendous void in our educational system and in this state with the passing of Cecil Picard. ——————————————————————————– Name: Max Jordan Relation: Former colleague in the Senate Tribute: My mentor from my first term as a Senator, and one of the strongest men for eduction I have ever seen. He taught me much. But mostly, he was a dear friend…who will be missed immensely. ——————————————————————————– Name: Clifford “Sport” LeBlanc Relation: acquaintance Tribute: Elizabeth, You and yours have my deepest sympathy. Please extend my condolences to all. ——————————————————————————– Name: John Berard Relation: Friend of Family From: John Berard Tribute: I knew Cecil for many years on the political and educational levels. He was always a hard worker for the students in our Louisiana schools. Your family has my deepest sympathy. ——————————————————————————– Name: Linda Gardner Relation: former DOE employee From: Baton Rouge Tribute: He was one of the most sincere person I knew in politics that genuinely cared about the children of the state. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. I am a better person for having known him for five and a half years. My deepest sympathies to his wife and family. Since I lost my Dad in February 2004, I do know what you are going through. I will continue to pray for all of you now and in the months ahead. ——————————————————————————– Name: Dorothy L. Beaugh Relation: Acquaintance From: Maurice-former English teacher Tribute: Dear Gaylen and Family-Plase accept our condolences. Maurice has lost its favorite son and the state, the top educator. Cecil is the role model for every educator and political aspirant. You are in our prayers. May the Blessed Trinity keep you safe, uplift your souls, and comfort your hearts. May Mary pray for you, that through your grief, you find numerous moments of sweet remembrance. The Lord bless you and His Face shine upon you.Dot ——————————————————————————– Name: Connie Gardiner Tribute: My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family. I had my first dance recitals at Abbeville High where I first met Cecil. He was always extremely helpful when I was so stressed. I tried to get him to go on the stage, but he said that was not for him. Such a great man! He will be missed! ——————————————————————————– Name: Karen Picard Relation: daughter of Huey Picard, granddaughter of Asa Pica Tribute: I am from the graduating class of AHS 1972. We were the 1st class to have had Mr. Cecil as our principal all 4 years. He will be deeply missed by everyone whose live he touched. My prayers and thoughts are with his family. Karen Picard ——————————————————————————– Name: COL (Ret) Calvin J. Washispack Relation: Acquaintance From: Louisiana Tribute: My deepest sympathy to family and friends of Mr Picard. ——————————————————————————– Name: William V Roberti Relation: Friend From: William V. Roberti Tribute: To The Picard Family: Even though I only knew Cecil for two years it seemed like a life time. He was a courageous person and had a grand vision for the children of Louisiana. I am grateful I was able to have him as a part of my life however brief. I send my prayers and condolences to his Loving Family. With The Deepest of Sympathy, Bill Roberti ——————————————————————————– Name: Shirley Bourgeois Relation: Retired Dept. of Ed. Worker Tribute: My thoughts and prayers are with you. I retired from the Dept. of Ed. in July of 2002. Supt. Picard made my retirement party very special by saying real nice things about me. He was a great and caring Supt. I have an album of pictures with Supt. Picard at my retirement party and they are very special to me. Sincerly Shirley Bourgeois ——————————————————————————– Name: Rita Broussard Name: Vivian Tullos Name: Cheryl Guidry Trahan Relation: former employee of VPPJ From: Kaplan Tribute: Mrs. Picard, Tyron, Lane, Mrs. Bonnie: I am deeply saddened at the news of Mr. Cecil’s death. He was such a kind and gentle man to me while I was working at the Police Jury and he taught me things I would have otherwise not have been able to learn. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cheryl Guidry Trahan ——————————————————————————– Name: Danny Choate Tribute: SORRY WE CAN NOT MAKE IT WE CANN’T FIND NO ONE TO SIT WITH GRANDMA I LOVE YOU DANNY ——————————————————————————– Name: Frank Collatt Relation: 1978 Student at Abbeville High School From: Frank Collatt Tribute: To The Picard Family, Ms. Gaylen, Tyron and Lane, Mr. Cecil was one of the finest human beings I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Ever time I ran into him, he had a smile on his face and knew people by name!! He was principal at Abbeville High while I was a student there and also friends with my parents. Mr. Cecil always valued others moreso than himself and realized that an education truly enables one to become the most he/she can. Mr. Cecil will always be remembered for his compassion and sincerity in life. May God Bless each of you in your time of sorrow. Sincerely, Frank Collatt ——————————————————————————– Name: Rob Davis Relation: A Louisianian From: Rob Davis Tribute: A true Louisiana man, in the finest sense of that term, has walked among us and has now gone home to be with the Father. He has honored this great state with his vision, humanity and energy and we are so much better for it. God bless the Picard family and keep them close. ——————————————————————————– Name: Selina Perry From: Vermilion Parish Police Jury Tribute: I was sorry to hear about Mr. Cecil and my prayers are with the family. ——————————————————————————– Name: Gloria Conlin From: Gloria Conlin Tribute: May love surround you, comfort you, and touch your heart,with hope. With Deepest Sympathy Love, Gloria Conlin ——————————————————————————– Name: Ed Dugas Relation: Friend From: Since the late 60s. Tribute: I first met Cecil Picard when Dr. Fred Brown, HPE Dept. Head, asked that I assist with his graduate class. It was a physical education Summer short course for teachers. Cecil was in that class and we became instant friends. He was the first legislator to attend “Legislative Fitness Day” which our profession sponsored each year. The last year we took his picture holding a basetball while he was attired in Boston Celtics warmups. He and Tyrone attended the Olympic Torch ceremony in Opelousas when I was blessed with the opportunity to carry the Olympic Torch. Several years ago, Cecil worked with the Athletic Network to place his father’s information on the website. If one would visit www.athleticnetwork.net and do a search for Romain Picard, they will find information on his father. In view of Cecil’s effort to have his father remembered, I felt it was only proper to include information on Cecil in the foonote section of his father’s profile. My condolences are extended to his family. He was a special person who gave his all to his community, his state, his profession, his family and his friends. We are all better for having known him and I considered myself most fortunate to have him as a friend. His remarks, along with those of Gerald Hebert, Curtis Joubert, Joseph Savoie, and Carolyn Bienvenu for the College of Education Showcase in 1998 were priceless. He assisted with several aspects of this celebration and for these courtesies, I will remain forever grateful. God’s speed my friend. Picard, his career marked at funeral MAURICE – Friends and admirers paid tribute to Superintendent of Education Cecil Picard and his educational legacy Monday at a funeral mass at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. “He was a good and decent man who dedicated all his energy for the betterment of his state and education,” she said. Wallin recalled Picard’s career in education and politics, which started when, against his original plan, he became a teacher and later principal of Maurice High School when his father died. At age 29, he integrated his school against the wishes of people of both races, because he believed it was for the betterment of all. His first act as superintendent was to begin a tour of the state’s school districts. He was appalled by the levels of poverty he encountered, she said, and decided the best was to lift children was to begin teaching them at an early age. That resulted in the LA4 pre-school program. Jimmy Long, currently the chairman of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, chaired the House Education Committee when Picard chaired the corresponding Senate committee. He said they developed a working and friendly relationship “that unfortunately ended last Thursday.” “Cecil and I authored a raft of education reform,” Long said in his eulogy. “He used it as a springboard” to develop major innovations in education that are now proving successful. Long, who had several years experience when Picard was elected, described his as an apt pupil who quickly picked up the art of politics. “He was comfortable with himself, and it showed,” he said. “He told me, ‘People believe honesty, and they’re not easily misled,’ which is how he led his life.” “Cecil could get things done,” Long said. “His political legacy is he made sure Louisiana’s children have the opportunity for a better education.” Abbeville attorney Charles Sonnier, a long-time friend and self-described “driver” for Picard, said he believed Picard was ready to go after fighting the disease, but the “hardest thing was I was totally helpless to do anything” to help him. He told how Picard hated the noise of Mardi Gras, so every year, he said, “Let’s get out of Dodge.” Sonnier and the Picard family would seek a quiet place, but everywhere they went had some kind of Mardi Gras celebration. Sonnier said he had to drive because Picard always got speeding tickets, especially on “the Indianapolis Atchafalaya Speedway.” Sonnier said dying in the middle of Mardi Gras shows “his desire to ‘get out of Dodge’ in this way rises to a spiritual level. … I guess God wanted to make it up to Cecil and give him the peace and quiet he discussed.” Picard “had a closet full of wit,” Sonnier said. When the Legislature reapportioned his Senate district to take in Cameron and part of Calcasieu Parish, “he would tell people, ‘I’m the state senator from Maurice to McNeese.'” Picard also once complained that his district “took in part of east Texas.” Interment was in the church mausoleum. Originally posted Feb. 20, 2007 Picard’s peers, friends react “After a mighty fight against a heartbreaking disease, we are sad to announce that our beloved father, husband, friend and State Superintendent of Education, Cecil J. Picard died this afternoon. – Tyron Picard, Picard’s son “They don’t get any better than Cecil Picard. I called upon him frequently. He was a special kind of man, he was a sensitive type of man. He was accessible at all times. … We have lost a great educator, a great Louisianian, and a great American. On a personal note, we educators have lost a great mentor. Cecil Picard will be sorely missed.” “We had a close working relationship which has allowed for some tremendous progress in our state. … His unique set of skills and total commitment to the children of the state has benefited Louisiana and will benefit Louisiana for generations.” – Joe Savoie, ccommissioner of Higher Education “Our educational community has lost an inspirational leader. (Picard) was respected by educators because he was one of them. Louisiana would never have accomplished the educational improvements of the past decade without the dynamic leadership of Cecil Picard.” – BESE President Linda Johnson “Cecil Picard was passionate about and dedicated to Louisiana’s children. He leaves behind a rich legacy of service that includes expanding quality education to all Louisianans, from pre-K through high school. Cecil was an effective catalyst for education reform and a valued friend and member of my team. My prayers are with his family and friends as we mourn the passing of a great man who gave so much of himself to the people of our state.” – Gov. Kathleen Blanco “I think it was fitting that he was given an opportunity to serve as superintendent. That was really his passion in the Legislature.” – Opelousas Mayor Don Cravins Sr., who served in the state Legislature with Picard “He was an outstanding educational leader. A great guy and person.” – Armand Brinkhaus, a former state senator with Picard Commentary: State loses a rare treasure, servant with Picard’s death Louisiana lost a rare treasure Thursday in Cecil J. Picard, a man I first met in 1975 when he had the idea he wanted to serve in the Legislature. When he walked into a Vermilion Parish Police Jury meeting I was covering for the Daily Iberian, the meeting came to a stop, and he was introduced to everyone as the Abbeville High School principal who wanted to go to Baton Rouge. Jurors and the audience applauded. I didn’t know much about the Legislature at the time, but I didn’t give him much of a chance. After all, he was a principal, not a lawyer. His thick Cajun accent stood out from the drawl of the north Louisiana lawmakers, but it didn’t take long before people were ignoring the way he talked and paying attention to what he was saying. He didn’t stay in the House long, having a chance to run for the Senate in 1979, where he served until 1996. With his experience as an educator, he was appointed to the Education Committee. He was later elected chairman and championed reform causes and wrote numerous pieces of legislation that advanced education at all levels. In 1995, he pushed to improve kindergarten programs and authored the mandatory kindergarten bill, which set the stage for one of his later triumphs as superintendent of education, the pre-K program known as LA4. Picard was a teacher’s best friend in the Senate, writing pay raise bills and ways to help them improve their skills and pick up extra money through his “PIPS Program.” After becoming superintendent, he spearheaded the current accountability program that has earned the state high marks in improving student performance and teacher quality. In time, if the next superintendent follows through and the next Legislature doesn’t scrap Picard’s dream, the future of Louisiana’s education system will be bright. Among those who know and have dealt with him, Picard is recognized as getting what he wants but leaving the other party feeling that a good compromise has been reached. I guess that means he really was a good politician, even though he said “I’m not a politician, I’m a statesman.” Yes, he was. Mike Hasten covers the Louisiana Legislature for the Gannett Capital Bureau. Commentary: Cecil Picard’s legacy will live on The death Thursday of state Superintendent of Education Cecil Picard ended one of the most productive and memorable careers in Louisiana government. Picard reached legendary status by doing what had long seemed impossible in Louisiana. He implemented massive reforms that raised the standards for education to unprecedented levels. Picard’s commitment to the pre-K program reflected his concern for the thousands of Louisiana children living in poverty. “If these kids aren’t getting support at school or at home,” he once told the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, “they’re not getting it at all. For them, starting kindergarten without pre-K is like starting 10 yards behind in a 100-yard dash.” Picard was a visionary, and he had the practical skills to pursue his visions and make them realities. His background seemed designed to prepare him for leadership in elementary and secondary education. He understood the challenges faced by professionals in public education, having served as a teacher, coach and principal. Of great importance were his years in the Legislature, many of them as chairman of the Senate Education Committee, which gave him a unique understanding of Louisiana politics and the peculiarities of government in the Pelican State. Without that, it is doubtful that he could have achieved the many successes that earned him national respect. That respect was reflected in such things as his selection by the National Governor’s Association as one of only 14 “fellows” nationwide in the first class of the State Early Childhood Policy Leadership Forum. He also earned a seat on the executive committee of the Southern Regional Education Board which advises 16 southern states on education policy. Gene Wilhoit, executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers, referred to him as “one of the leaders in the country in terms of educational improvement.” The Cecil Picard years in education did not end with his death. His accomplishments will not only live on – benefiting future generations of children, as well as those of today – but will grow in strength and productivity. While his presence will be deeply missed, his tangible accomplishments will always be with us, serving as reminders of his uncommon ability and dedication. Published Feb. 18, 2007 E-Opinion: Picard’s work will benefit generations to come The magnitude of Louisiana’s loss with the death Thursday of State Superintendent of Education Cecil Picard cannot yet be measured. The powerful forces he put in motion will impact the lives of generations yet to come, creating ongoing benefits for Louisiana and its children. An educator first, he served as a teacher, coach and school principal. As a member of the Louisiana Legislature, where he served as chairman of the Senate Education Committee, he gained the knowledge of government that was essential to achievement of his goals. All this, plus a love for his state and its children, came together during his tenure as superintendent. His time with us was too short, but it was filled with lasting accomplishments that will continue to move Louisiana forward and improve the lives of its citizens. He will be deeply missed. ‘Louisiana lost a giant’; Picard dead at 69 BATON ROUGE – Cecil Picard, who dedicated his life to improving education for Louisiana’s children, died Thursday afternoon after a 21-month battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 69. His public career spanned three decades in which he served as state senator and state representative, but before that he was an educator in Vermilion Parish. During his life, he was described as “a giant,” “a statesman” and “a warrior.” Everyone from the governor to his former students expressed sorrow at word of his death Thursday. “Cecil fought a heroic fight, and we will deeply miss his spirit and determination,” said his wife, Gaylen David Picard. “He loved his state and especially the children of this state so much. He knew the only way for Louisiana to flourish was for us to nurture our youngest minds. I am comforted in knowing that his legacy will live on through improved educational opportunities for thousands of children in our state.” “Today, Louisiana lost a giant in the field of public education,” said Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who urged the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to renew her longtime friend’s contract when she was elected three years ago. In Abbeville, alumni of Abbeville High remembered Picard on Thursday as the man who led the school through a tumultuous time during integration. “He was a real good principal,” Mike Boudreaux said. “It was the first year of integration and he was really fair to everyone.” Glynn Hebert, who consistently voted for Picard, remembers being a student at Abbeville High during integration with Picard at the helm. “We were going through so many changes and he came in and with integration he had a lot to deal with and he did a great job,” Hebert said. Hebert, who continued his friendship with Picard after he graduated in 1970, said Picard was the kind of man that never forgot anyone. “He knew everybody. He remembered everybody. He would always call you by name. Very personable,” Hebert said. “I always felt he was fair and nice,” Hebert said. “He was a great administrator. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have had the kind of career he did.” In a 2005 interview, the superintendent said he never really wanted to be a teacher, a coach or a principal. He grew up actually living on the grounds of Maurice High because his father was principal and the school provided housing. He said he hated it. But he became a teacher in 1959 and when his father died seven years later, he tried to give the keys to the school back to the parish superintendent “but he wouldn’t take them.” So, he became a principal, too. “Life has a funny way of guiding you to your destiny,” he said. Picard was appointed superintendent by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in 1996 with the strong support of former Gov. Mike Foster, who served with Picard in the Senate and observed how he ran the Senate Education Committee. Picard also was in the running to become Senate president. Foster said he was saddened by Picard’s death because “he was a good friend, a fellow senator. I’ll miss him. “We made a lot of headway” toward improving education, especially implementing an accountability program that ranks top in the nation, Foster said. “He did a good job, and I never heard anyone say he didn’t.” BESE member Mary Washington of Lafayette said losing Picard was “a sad day for education in Louisiana. Cecil was a friend, a strong educator. I don’t think there is ever going to be another in my lifetime.” Staff writer Amanda Harris contributed to this report. Picard’s family creates endowment The family of Cecil Picard has established an endowment in honor of the life and career of the late state Superintendent of Education. Picard’s son Tyron said the endowment will support the Cecil Picard Center for Child Development, which is being constructed at UL. “It’s very comforting to continue, in a very small and token way, to pursue the cause of improving education in Louisiana to which he dedicated his whole life,” Tyron Picard said. Raymond Hebert, executive director of the Community Foundation of Acadiana, said the endowment, which will exclusively benefit the center, is now nearing $30,000. “Cecil Picard played an instrumental role in making this center come to fruition,” Hebert said. “The family thought this would be the most appropriate way to honor his memory by establishing a fund that perpetually benefited that center.” The center will provide research to school districts across the nation, the younger Picard said. It will perform data analysis on children that would measure child development and education. Groundbreaking for the center is expected to take place in two or three months, he said. One notable donation came from President Bush and his wife Laura, Hebert said. The foundation received a $1,000 check from the first family Thursday, Hebert said. President Bush, who was a friend of Cecil Picard, visited with the Picards for 10 minutes while he was in New Orleans on March 1, Tyron Picard said. Bush acknowledged Picard’s passing in a speech at the Samuel J. Green Charter School in New Orleans. Want to help? Send a check payable to the Community Foundation of Acadiana at P .O. Box 3892, Lafayette, LA, 70502. Be sure to include “Cecil Picard Endowment for the UL Center for Childhood Development” in the memo line. Donations also can be made online at www.cfacadiana.org/ page26893.cfm. Originally published March 5, 2007.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
