LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – The organization Three Sixty Collective wrapped up it’s three part series on building a better community Thursday with a discussion focused on education.

Educators, parents and student discussed education and ways to improve learning in the classroom.

Town hall meetings titled ‘Lafayette Next’ wrapped up its series with a discussion on education and the important role it plays in the future of our community.

During the meeting, a panel answered questions regarding problems in the educational system. Tracey Landry is a principal at a school in Breaux Bridge. She said a big issue educators are battling is loss of interest.

“We’ll have to find new ways, new teaching strageties to get them encouraged and engaged because engagement is the first step to be able to learn.”

The panelists included Superintendent Don Aguillard, UL-Lafayette professors, and even a Lafayette Parish student.

State represenative Vincent Pierre said a student’s perspective is vital to finding solutions.

“It’s always good to have a student just to tell us what they are feeling and what they would like to have and what they would like to see.”

Alexis Arceneaux attended the meeting. Ahe is the first person in her family to attend college. Arceneaux said education has given her an opportunity for a better future.

“Education takes you very far. Most people don’t even look at you twice if you don’t have certain backgrounds in education, so I think education is very important.”

Pierre said he hopes the community takes action and helps the school system create a better and more successful environment for students.