Terrebonne Parish board interviews candidate Torbett; vote set for Feb. 3

Mister Torbett, a 31-year veteran of the Terrebonne Parish School District, presented his vision for the system and answered questions from board members during a superintendent candidate interview. He said his top priorities would be ensuring schools are "safe, secure, but inviting," continuing vetted "tier 1" curriculum, and maintaining fiscal responsibility to sustain programming.

Torbett opened by outlining his local background and education, including an undergraduate degree from Nicholls State and certifications in special education. He described moving from special-education teacher roles into school leadership — assistant principal and principal at Evergreen and later South Terrebonne — and said those experiences shaped his approach to districtwide decisions. "If I'm given the opportunity to be the next superintendent, I would focus on 3 priorities," he said.

Board members pressed Torbett on several areas. Mister Ford asked how the district could avoid making special-education students and families feel "like an afterthought" amid enrollment declines to charter and private schools. Torbett acknowledged the challenge, saying accountability must include those students and that the district would need to examine budgets and partner with outside agencies to secure resources for higher-need cases.

On teachers' workload, Mister Krautis asked how a superintendent could reduce the growing list of demands on classroom staff. Torbett said he opposed micromanaging and would empower teachers while auditing recurring expenditures to eliminate ineffective programs. "We can't keep chasing the shiny new object and not take something off the plate," he said.

Responding to concerns about technology and student attention, Mister Talbot noted classroom distractions and dropouts. Torbett said some schools are experimenting with set-aside "no-technology" days and stressed early intervention for students who fall behind: "If we get it early enough, then they are entering fourth grade on time, they are entering eighth grade on time, and then we're not having the dropout issue that we have." He also cautioned that monitoring software has limits and that devices and connectivity problems complicate instruction.

Doctor Trujillo asked about communication and incident responses. Torbett emphasized timely and clear communication — by phone, email or the district's online reporting system — so administrators can investigate before parents form judgments, and noted the district must follow required steps during bullying investigations.

The board chair announced members will vote and name the new Terrebonne Parish School District superintendent at the next board meeting, scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026, at 5 p.m. in the boardroom. A motion to adjourn was made by Mister Dehart and seconded by Doctor Cloutier, and the meeting concluded with no further public comment.

The board will take a final vote on Feb. 3; the interview record shows the questions and Torbett's responses will be part of their deliberations.