Dr. Batiste became Superintendent of Waukegan Public School District 60 in the 2006-2007 school year. He brings his vision for strong academic achievement and change to his role as Superintendent. This is characterized in his motto, “A New Day…A New Way in Waukegan Public Schools.” He brings an impressive resume of educational experiences and award-winning leadership skills to his role as our Superintendent.
Dr. Batiste has served as a teacher and speech pathologist at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. He served as an elementary principal for fourteen years and received the Regional Elementary Principal of the Year in 1994-1995. He then became principal of John McDonough High School in Louisiana and brought tremendous positive change to that school by working with staff to improve student achievement. His hard work did not go unnoticed. |
 Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste |
After two years as high school principal, his peers selected him as the district’s nominee for Principal of the Year. This recognition grew into his being named Regional Principal of the Year and ultimately, Louisiana State High School Principal of the Year in 1997-1998. At the same time, he was recognized for his outstanding work in the area of fiscal responsibility and governance and was awarded the 1998 Hiberian Award for Excellence in Government.
Because of his reputation, Dr. Batiste was selected as the Executive Director (Associate Superintendent) of Curriculum, Instruction and Educational Support Programs for the 70,000-student New Orleans Public Schools. In this role, he led district staff to create the first comprehensive K-12 core curriculum that was fully aligned with state standards and benchmarks. Dr. Batiste has also served simultaneously as a visiting and adjunct professor on the undergraduate and graduate levels at several Greater New Orleans institutions of higher learning that include Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Xavier University and the University of New Orleans.
Dr. Batiste joined Waukegan Public School District 60 in January of 2004 as the Deputy Superintendent in charge of Academic Achievement. Under his guidance the Division of Academic Affairs began twenty-one major initiatives that support specific goals of the Waukegan Public Schools. He was promoted to Superintendent effective July of 2006. As a result of his continuing leadership, student achievement in Waukegan continues to grow.