Terrebonne Parish introduces Tonya Cook as supervisor of elementary education

The Terrebonne Parish School Board introduced Tonya Cook as the district’s new supervisor of elementary education and invited her to address the committee.

Board members described Cook's background in curriculum and school leadership as the basis for her selection. At the committee meeting a board member summarized Cook's experience: she previously served as an ELA curriculum specialist, was an instructional coach, and later served as principal of Acadian Elementary, where board members said academic performance improved and staff supported her leadership. Cook told the committee she aims "to empower the people that stand in front of our children to be the best that they can be" and said her goal is to "pour into principals so they are strong instructional leaders, and they make educated data driven decisions for the children in their building."

Several board members congratulated Cook and encouraged continued collaboration with principals and staff. A board member noted Cook had been a finalist for state principal of the year and praised her ability to lead a large faculty. The introduction and remarks were celebratory and informational; no formal vote or personnel action was recorded during the committee portion of the meeting.

Cook's appointment was presented as an administrative assignment; the committee discussed expectations that she will work with principals to improve instruction and sustain school-level gains. The committee adjourned after the introduction.