Board approves 18‑month extension to superintendent’s contract after heated discussion
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Summary
The St. Landry Parish School Board voted to extend the superintendent’s contract term — up to 18 months, moving the end date to Dec. 31, 2028 — with no increase in compensation after debate about process and transparency and public comments urging continuity.
The St. Landry Parish School Board voted on April 9 to extend the superintendent’s contract end date, authorizing an amendment that could lengthen the term by as much as 18 months, to Dec. 31, 2028, with no change to compensation.
Board discussion focused on process and timing. Board attorney (speaker 12) told members the board can approve a term change tonight but that amending and restating the full contract would be required afterward: "The only thing that is happening is tonight is the board superintendent is seeking to change the term, the date of this contract from June 30 to December 30," the attorney said, adding the maximum available extension is 18 months and that proposed conforming revisions would be prepared for the board to review.
Several trustees said they wanted more detail before acting. One committee member (speaker 10) described the move as "premature" without seeing the recommended language and urged that members be given the proposed revisions before a final decision. Another trustee (speaker 4) pushed back, saying the superintendent has made measurable progress and deserves additional time: "He's asking for more time to continue the work that he's started," that trustee said.
Public commenters and union leadership urged the board to approve the extension to avoid disruption. A representative of the local union (speaker 5), identifying the union’s position, argued a change in leadership now would cause a ‘‘muddy transition’’ and operational instability that could harm students.
After discussion, Trustee (speaker 3) moved to approve the term extension; the motion was seconded and the board approved the measure. The motion authorized the board president to negotiate an amended and restated contract reflecting the extended term and any nonsubstantive conforming revisions, subject to final approval by the full board.
The board attorney said the administration would provide contract language and recommended changes to a designated point of contact and that any final amended contract would return to the board for approval. The board then proceeded to other agenda items and announced plans to review the proposed contract revisions once they are available.
The vote was recorded by voice and the chair declared the motion approved. No dollar change to the superintendent’s pay was included in the authorization.
