06/05/2026
Ben Necaise, Superintendent of Education for Zachary Community Schools, spoke at this week’s Zachary Rotary Club meeting about the Zachary Forward Community School District Initiative, which will be on the ballot June 27.
Also in attendance and showing strong support for the initiative were Mayor David McDavid, Metropolitan Councilman Brandon Noel, Rotary Club President Tamara Dayton, and Zachary Community School Board Members Marty Hughes, Jr. and Ryan Talbot, all fellow Rotarians.
Superintendent Necaise explained that the initiative is NOT a new tax, but a reallocation of existing millages to support teacher and employee compensation. He also highlighted the district’s recent success, noting that Zachary Community School District performed exceptionally well on the 2025 Educational Scorecard, which measures 3rd through 8th grade assessment data. Zachary students outperformed 90% of districts nationwide in reading and ranked #1 among neighboring districts and parishes—including Ascension, St. Tammany, West Feliciana, Livingston, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, East Feliciana, East Baton Rouge, and Pointe Coupee—in both reading and math.
These outstanding results reflect the hard work and dedication of students, teachers, school leaders, support staff, families, and the entire community. This year alone, one Zachary student graduated with an Associate Degree—an incredible achievement that allows them to enter college ahead and continue toward a Master’s degree with the support of TOPS scholarships.
Superintendent Necaise encouraged Rotarians to vote on June 27, emphasizing the importance of maintaining competitive salaries for teachers and staff as the district continues “Reaching for Higher Education.”
The City of Zachary Mayor McDavid also urged support, noting that the strength of the school system has been a key driver of Zachary’s economic success and growth. "Zachary has thrived because of its schools, let’s continue that success and keep moving forward together, said Mayor McDavid."
