Corey Butler (who identified as Corey Baldwin) outlines special-education focus and staffing plans in Terrebonne superintendent interview

The Terrebonne Parish School Board began its special meeting interviews by hearing from the first applicant listed in the agenda as Corey Butler, who introduced himself during his presentation as Corey Baldwin. The applicant, a 30-year veteran educator and self-described lifelong resident of Terrebonne Parish, emphasized special-education expertise, teacher retention and a district rebranding as central strategies to reverse years of declining enrollment.

"Every child has a place," the candidate said in his opening remarks, citing his certification as a K–12 special-education teacher and more than a decade of classroom and administrative experience. He told the board he has used early identification, wraparound supports and training for principals on special-education law (Title 28) to improve inclusion and outcomes for students with disabilities.

Board members pressed the applicant on several practical topics. When asked whether he would rely on an assistant superintendent to cover duties during unavoidable absences, he replied affirmatively: "My intent is to have an assistant superintendent," saying such a position provides continuity and a backup for daily operations.

The board also raised enrollment declines. The chair noted the district has lost about 5,000 students over 15 years and asked how to "stop the bleeding." The candidate said public school must be the first parental choice and argued that investing in "human capital rather than programs"—including recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers, supporting workloads, and offering competitive pay—would make the district more attractive to families.

On special education, the candidate described hands-on practices: conducting functional behavioral assessments, writing behavior plans aligned to student needs, and expanding early interventions in kindergarten through third grade through programs he has led. He also described local initiatives he started or supervised, including an alternative-program titled Second Chance that he said achieved a better than 60% successful transition rate for participating students.

Several board members framed questions with personal experience. One board member who said his three sons graduated under the candidate praised his local ties; another described the importance of collaboration between the superintendent and nine board members and asked for examples of the candidate changing an opinion after colleagues' input. The candidate emphasized an "open door" policy and daily data updates to support collaborative governance and transparency.

The transcript contains a name discrepancy: the meeting agenda and chair repeatedly referred to the candidate as "Mister Butler," while the candidate introduced himself as "Corey Baldwin." The transcript does not resolve whether Butler or Baldwin is the candidate’s legal name; the board and public materials should be consulted to confirm the applicant’s official name before publication.

The candidate closed by reaffirming his commitment to the parish and a desire to "build the remaining schools" to strengthen community recovery and economic prospects. The board thanked him and moved on to other business, with members urged to keep questions brief because of time constraints.

What’s next: The board has scheduled follow-up opportunities over the next two weeks before making a final selection; no formal vote or decision on a hire was recorded in the meeting transcript.