Monthly Chamber Luncheon

Speaker: Superintendent, Dale Skinner

Mr. Skinner has been a principal and superintendent in Natchitoches Parish since 2010.  He started as principal at Natchitoches Central High School before he became superintendent in 2015.  Mr. Skinner has served as a coach, teacher, and principal before working with Natchitoches Parish School Board.  Working in the Louisiana school system for over 40 years, Mr. Skinner has proven that he is truly  dedicated to the success of ALL students.  Under the tutelage of Mr. Skinner, Natchitoches has experienced record growth.  Growing from a “C” to a “B” district, and an improved graduation rate of 81% are just a few of the many achievements that Natchitoches has accomplished under his leadership.  

J. Dale Skinner Philosophy of Education

In my opinion, the rewards of working in education far outweigh any disadvantages or lack of appreciation that sometimes seem the educator's lot.  The educators are in a powerful position, second only to parents in shaping children's lives during their formative years.  I believe an educator has a right to a secure and safe workplace, and support from administration in solving any problem pertaining to their ability to do the job for which they were hired. 

I see a school as a reflection of the community, yet the school can also provide cultural and educational leadership to motivate change within the community.  I believe in open communication and involvement between the two entities.  

I believe that every young person has good qualities, and those must be sought out, developed, and built on to enable our youth to form a set of values based on integrity, and personal responsbility and a mental discipline to cope with new challenge in an ever-changing world.  I believe in the inherent worth of each student and respect the right of every student to a quality education.