Mid-year Administrative Moves Bring Familiar Faces and Leadership to Avoyelles Schools

As the new year approaches, the Avoyelles Parish School Board announced two leadership transitions that will take effect in January 2026.

Ashley Ducote has been named principal of Cottonport Elementary School, and Contina Pierite will become principal of Avoyelles High School.

Both leaders bring extensive experience, strong ties to the parish, and a clear commitment to academic growth and student success.

Ducote enters her new role with 17 years of experience in education and more than a decade of service in the Cottonport community. She began her career at Cottonport Elementary, where she taught sixth grade English language arts and social studies. She later served as instructional coach and assistant principal. Her leadership experience also includes time at Plaucheville Elementary and at Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, where she most recently served as assistant principal.

Ducote said she is motivated by the impact education has on society. She believes that a strong education provides opportunities for all students. She looks forward to returning to Cottonport Elementary and is eager to help shape a positive school culture. Her goal is to build a school community where everyone feels supported and connected to a shared vision of excellence.

Pierite was selected as the new principal of Avoyelles High School. A graduate of Avoyelles High, she described the appointment as a full circle moment. Pierite has served in education for nearly 30 years, including teaching positions at Bunkie Middle School, Riverside Elementary, Avoyelles High School, and in Adult Education. Her administrative roles include assistant principal at Bunkie High, interim principal at Marksville High, and principal at Cottonport Elementary.

Pierite said she believes that strong schools are built on strong relationships. She said it takes all stakeholders to move a school forward and that no one can do the work alone. She looks forward to returning to the school that helped shape her and is committed to serving its students, families, and community with dedication and optimism.

The Avoyelles Parish School Board congratulates Ashley Ducote and Contina Pierite on their new roles and looks forward to the continued progress and achievements these leaders will bring to Cottonport Elementary and Avoyelles High School.