Longtime administrator recognized for building “one of the best” technology departments in Louisiana
The West Baton Rouge Parish School Board took time during their regular meeting to celebrate Dr. Tammy Seneca’s retirement after 32 years of dedicated service to the district. The recognition included a heartfelt video tribute featuring messages from colleagues across the school system.
“She’s done some great things. She’s one of the best,” said Superintendent Dr. Chandler Smith. “Her department is one of the best in the state we have.”
Protecting What Matters Most
Dr. Seneca’s leadership proved particularly valuable during recent years when cyber threats targeted school districts across Louisiana. Smith highlighted how her proactive approach to cybersecurity kept WBR safe when other parishes fell victim to database attacks and viruses.
“Y’all realize back then, a few years back, when some parishes had viruses and everything that took over some of their databases and stuff – not here. Not here,” Smith told the board. “She’s protected our databases, protected all our information.”
A Legacy of Innovation
Colleagues in the tribute video praised Dr. Seneca’s work in building and refining the district’s course assessment system and using data analysis to improve student outcomes. Her ability to navigate complex policy requirements also earned recognition.
“Who else can take on policies like you have? You have turned red tape into a to-do list that you’ve made look kind of fun,” said one colleague in the video tribute.
Another coworker noted her impact across the district: “Your dedication, vision and tireless efforts have left a lasting legacy for all of us.”
Personal Touches
The video revealed the lighter side of Dr. Seneca’s tenure, with multiple colleagues mentioning her “crazy loud laugh” and the “Happy Tammy” decorations that appeared throughout the office after she went on vacation one week.
“I went on a trip one day, one week, and I came back and they had Happy Tammys all over the office. Everywhere,” Smith recalled with a laugh.
Staff members from across her career timeline participated in the tribute, including some who worked with her for over 20 years and others she hired straight out of high school who are now approaching seven years of service.
Recognition and Gratitude
The school board presented Dr. Seneca with a formal recognition plaque honoring her “32 years of service and exceptional contributions” along with wishes for “a joyful retirement filled with new adventures.” She also received what Smith described as “an amazing beverage container for water and other things.”
Board Business
In other meeting action, the school board adopted standard millage rates for the 2025 tax year, including constitutional millage at 4.39 mills, special millage at 15 mills, and salary and benefits millage at 10.87 mills. The debt service millage was set at 9.90 mills, an increase of nine-tenths of a mill to cover principal and interest payments on school bonds.
The board also read the required public notice for a July 16 meeting to consider calling an election for renewal of existing ad valorem taxes that support teacher salaries and benefits and provide additional support to public elementary and secondary schools in the district.
The retirement recognition was part of a school board meeting that also included updates on summer programs, with over 277 students registered for career camps at the Career Technical Center covering cosmetology, medical, culinary, carpentry, and robotics. Professional development sessions for teachers are scheduled for July 21-25, with 473 teacher enrollments across 23 sessions.
Dr. Seneca’s departure marks the end of an era for West Baton Rouge Parish schools, leaving behind a technology infrastructure and data systems that colleagues say will benefit students and staff for years to come.
The West Baton Rouge Parish School Board meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 5:00 PM. Meeting recordings and agendas are available through the district office.
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