Ladies and Gentlemen:
This has been a difficult day for our entire state. I believe that this storm has affected (or will affect) almost every part of Louisiana and our education community. I have heard reports that many of you have suffered damage to your home and property. We are sorry for the hardships many of you are enduring, but we remain grateful that thus far there are no reports of any injuries among our DOE family or education community.
The Governor has announced that only essential employees should report to work tomorrow. I know that many of you have to provide for your family, pick up the pieces and clean up after the passage of Gustav. With this in mind, we are asking that you not attempt to come to work tomorrow.
If you are one of the fortunate ones who sustained little or no impact from the storm, I would strongly suggest that you offer to volunteer at the nearest shelter. There are thousands who have evacuated and are in need of support.
Please stay tuned so that we are able to communicate with you. Also, if there is anything that I, or the Department of Education can do to support you, please let us know.
Paul Pastorek
Superintendent
Louisiana Department of Education
