New consultant to work with military families transitioning into Bossier schools
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: July 16, 2012
The wife of an Air Force pilot has been selected as Bossier Schools' Military Student Transition Consultant (MSTV).
Georgette Price, who has worked as a guidance counselor for middle school students and also has served as clinical counselor at the adult level, will work with military families and their children in Bossier Parish.
The program, funded through a partnership that includes the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, the Military Affairs Council, Cyber Innovation Center, Barksdale Forward, and the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation, embeds a carefully trained staff person within the school system.
With support from U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-New Orleans) , the Bossier Parish School Board recognized the needs of military families at nearby Barksdale Air Force Base and the surrounding community.
"I applaud the Bossier Parish Chamber of Commerce for making the educational needs of our military families a priority," Landrieu said, adding "Hiring the Military Student Transition Consultant to work with our families and schools in Shreveport and Bossier shows, unequivocally, North Louisiana's commitment to our airmen and their families. Quality of life for our men and women in uniform continues to be one of my highest priorities. The Bossier Chamber and Barksdale Forward continue to provide a model of support that should be replicated throughout Louisiana as well as our Nation."
"Georgette's combined educational, professional, and personal experiences make her the perfect choice for this critical position," said Karol Carlisle, project manager. "As the wife of an Air Force pilot and mother of three children, she is acutely aware of the challenges our military families face and is uniquely positioned to respond to their needs," Carlisle said.
Lisa Johnson, president/CEO, Bossier Chamber of Commerce, noted, "Barksdale Air Force Base is the No. 1 asset and economic driver to Bossier Parish and the region; therefore it is critical to have programs in place that address the needs of the transitioning family.
"The first question received from a new family is about education and to have a point person, the MSTC, for the initial contact will only help ease the burden of transition. We are happy to welcome the Military Child Education Coalition and their programs to Bossier Parish and look forward to a great partnership."
Transition consultants address both school and deployment related concerns, and have provided assistance with transfer of credit, state-to-state testing requirements, magnet programs, transportation guidelines and school policies. Consultants educate teachers and school personnel about issues unique to their military students and must have in-depth knowledge of the district's schools, personnel and programs as well as the local military installation and community. Transition consultants currently serve eight communities in the United States with large military populations.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Price to our Bossier Schools family and offer this additional tier of support to our students from military families," said Sonja Bailes, Public Relations Liaison for Bossier Schools. "We recognize these students and their families face unique challenges and feel Ms. Price's firsthand experience in both education and the Air Force will be invaluable in her role as Bossier's MSTC."
Founded in 1998, the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is a 501(c)(3) global, nonprofit leadership and advocacy organization focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for America's two million military-connected children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition. For more information, visit www.MilitaryChild.org.
