LCD board narrows executive director process; executive committee to vet language-proficiency standards

The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf reviewed draft minimum and preferred qualifications and the salary range for a proposed executive director position and discussed how to assess candidates’ language proficiency.

Commissioner Megan Wimberley proposed standardizing educational-language throughout the job description (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate) and later suggested the board research appropriate tools to measure American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency. “How do we plan on measuring that?” Wimberley asked.

Commissioner Brad Wellens, the board’s longest-serving member, urged open language to attract candidates both from the deaf community and from hearing professionals with demonstrated experience, saying the rules should remain broad to secure “the best candidate.” Interim Director Broussard advised the board that amending the rule language would restart a lengthy administrative process and recommended that the executive committee — the chair, vice chair and secretary — develop concrete assessment criteria to use during candidate interviews.

After discussion, Commissioner Wimberley withdrew her motion to research assessment tools and told the board she would “leave it up to the executive committee to assess language proficiency during the search for the executive director.” Commissioners said the executive committee will consult with the full board on recommended assessment methods and that staff will proceed with the recruitment materials while the committee refines proficiency criteria.

Ending: The board paused for a scheduled presentation; no formal vote was recorded on final job-language edits in the transcript segment provided. The executive committee will take responsibility for setting assessment details during the hiring process.