Louisiana's public schools, long ranked near the bottom nationally, are showing significant signs of academic progress under State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley. Since his appointment in 2020, the state has seen notable improvements, particularly in early literacy, even as Brumley navigates a complex political landscape.
His five-year tenure has been marked by a dual focus: implementing data-driven educational reforms while also engaging in the broader cultural debates shaping American education. This approach has produced measurable results but has also drawn criticism from those who see politics influencing policy.
Key Takeaways
- Under Cade Brumley, Louisiana's fourth-grade students have achieved the nation's highest growth in reading scores.
- He has championed major policy wins, including a statewide literacy overhaul based on the "science of reading" and a new tutoring program.
- Brumley, a conservative, has aligned with Governor Jeff Landry and has taken stances on controversial social issues, such as opposing federal protections for transgender students.
- Despite academic gains, challenges like high student absenteeism and persistent racial achievement gaps remain.
A Focus on Foundational Skills
At the core of Brumley's strategy is a return to fundamental academic skills. He has successfully pushed for a package of bills centered on research-based reading instruction, a method often called the "science of reading." This initiative has been credited with driving the state's impressive gains.
To support this effort, his department worked with advocacy groups to create a statewide tutoring program for students who are struggling to read. He also secured legislative funding for the program, ensuring schools had the resources to implement it effectively.
According to Ken Oertling, Superintendent of St. Charles Parish Schools, this hands-on approach sets Brumley's administration apart. "You’re partnering with the people closest to the work versus just giving policy directives," Oertling noted, adding that this level of support was "lacking under previous superintendents."
By the Numbers: Louisiana's Progress
- #1 in the Nation: Louisiana's 4th graders lead the country in reading score growth.
- 5,000 students: The approximate size of the DeSoto Parish district, where Brumley first served as superintendent and erased a major budget deficit.
- 10 times larger: The Jefferson Parish school system, which Brumley led before his statewide appointment.
With the literacy framework in place, Brumley is now turning his attention to mathematics. He has initiated a similar push for reform in math instruction, aiming to replicate the successes seen in reading across the state's elementary and middle schools.
From Rural Roots to State Leadership
Cade Brumley's career in education began in his small hometown of Converse, a village of about 400 people. The son of a school cafeteria worker and a police officer, he saw education as his path forward.
He started as a social studies teacher and basketball coach at his alma mater, Converse High School. His drive was evident early on; he led the girls' basketball team to its first state playoff appearance in over a decade.
His ascent was rapid. In 2012, he became superintendent of DeSoto Parish, a district facing a severe budget crisis. He made difficult decisions, including layoffs and school closures, to stabilize its finances. Dudley Glenn, a longtime school board member there, described his style as effective but not flashy. "He was not a loud or a flashy kind of a guy at all," Glenn said, "but he got it done."
After a successful tenure in the much larger Jefferson Parish, where he worked with unions and business leaders to pass a tax increase for teacher pay, he was appointed state superintendent in 2020.
Navigating Political Tides
Brumley's appointment came at a time of intense national debate over education, from COVID-19 school closures to curriculum controversies. He quickly established himself as a conservative voice, pushing for schools to reopen and later taking public stances on cultural issues.
The Intersection of Policy and Politics
While Brumley is often described by colleagues as a policy expert, his tenure has not been free from political controversy. He has aligned himself with conservative figures and groups, including Governor Jeff Landry and organizations like Moms for Liberty.
In one notable instance, Brumley dismantled an Office of Equity, Inclusion and Opportunities that he himself had established shortly after taking office in 2020. The move came amid a national conservative backlash against such initiatives. The office's director, Kelli Peterson, resigned in protest.
"I choose to no longer serve in an organization that allows political agendas to drive decisions," Peterson wrote in a scathing resignation letter to Brumley in July 2021.
Brumley has also changed his public stance on terms like "social-emotional learning" (SEL). After initially supporting SEL training for school leaders, he later raised concerns that it could be a "Trojan horse for critical race theory." He defends this shift by arguing that certain terms have been distorted by political agendas.
"In so many ways, words got hijacked," Brumley stated in an interview. "They got radicalized."
Despite these controversies, he maintains that his primary mission remains academic. "I don't spend my day focused on culture issues," he said. "I spend my day focused on there aren't enough kids that can read on grade level, there aren't enough that can do math."
What Comes Next for Louisiana Schools
Brumley's rising national profile has led to speculation about his future, including whether he might be considered for a federal role like U.S. Secretary of Education. He has acknowledged that opportunities are presented to him but insists his focus remains on his current job.
Significant challenges persist for Louisiana's education system. Student achievement, though improving, is still low compared to national averages. Chronic absenteeism is a major concern, and wide racial disparities in academic outcomes have not been closed.
The success of his new math reforms will be a key test of his leadership. For now, Brumley continues to tour schools, meet with educators, and push his agenda forward, balancing the practical work of improving schools with the political realities of his position.
"My role is one that lives in state and national politics," Brumley acknowledged. "My job is to get better outcomes for kids."