and last updated 2021-03-31 17:11:44-04 OPELOUSAS, La. -- St. Landry Parish School District (SLPSD) announced Wednesday that Kellie Rabalais, principal at Palmetto Elementary School, has claimed a spot on the Louisiana Principal of the Year Semi-Finalist list. Each year, the Principal of the Year Program recognizes and rewards an elementary, middle, and high school principal who has demonstrated outstanding school leadership. Rabalais was born in Opelousas but grew in Plaisance, Louisiana. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and her masterâs degree in Educational Leadership from The American College of Education. Rabalais started her teaching career at Grand Coteau Elementary in 2000, teaching second grade. At Grand Coteau, she taught second grade for eight years, 3rd grade for a year, and 4th grade for a year and was the administrative assistant. In August of 2011, Rabalais moved to Plaisance Elementary as the assistant principal until October of 2012. She became the principal at Palmetto Elementary School in October of 2012 and continues to serve as the administrator to date.