U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings toured Westdale Middle School on September 13, 2007. The Secretary spent time speaking with faculty, staff and students about the innovative programs in place at the school and the progress of schools in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.

During her visit, she observed several classrooms and was very impressed by what she saw at Westdale Middle. While speaking with reporters she said, “Show me a good school and I’ll show you a good Principal.”

After the tour, EBR leaders and State Education Superintendent Paul Pastorek joined the Secretary in a roundtable discussion of the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind legislation.

Secretary Spellings was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the school district and a gift bag of Louisiana treats from students and staff at Westdale Middle before returning to Washington. This is her second trip to the District. Her last visit to the East Baton Rouge Parish School System was immediately following Hurricane Katrina.