Gov. John Bel Edwards, along with local, state, and federal officials, celebrated the completion of technology learning centers at five Vernon Parish schools serving families stationed at or employed by the U.S. Army’s Fort Johnson. With the support of a $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense and a 10 percent match from Louisiana Economic Development, the new learning centers will focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) programming in state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor learning spaces. These centers aim to strengthen the quality of life for Fort Johnson families and bolster the surrounding community. The elite Army training post, formerly known as Fort Polk, was renamed in June to honor Sgt. William Henry Johnson, and is the largest non-state-government employer in Louisiana.
The investment of federal and state dollars has resulted in the construction of new buildings and the installation of enhanced technology, including wireless communications, digital displays, and interactive learning tools to benefit Leesville High, Leesville Junior High, Pickering High, Pickering Elementary, and Vernon Middle School. The significance of this initiative lies in the improved quality of life for the thousands of Fort Johnson families, as well as strengthening the surrounding community that plays a crucial role in supporting the military installation. The financial impact of the military base extends to nearly 15,000 jobs, $770 million in payroll, and an annual estimated economic impact of more than $1.36 billion in the state of Louisiana, highlighting the importance of the collaboration between state and federal entities in enhancing the educational infrastructure for military-connected students.
