The special Allen Parish School Board meeting called for Monday, June 5, was cancelled Friday, June 2, according to board President Kevin Tyler due to some scheduling conflicts.
The agenda for the special meeting will be added to the regularly schedule meeting on Monday, June 12. The board is in the process of selecting a superintendent, and has been deadlocked in the selection between two candidates, both who are presently employed by the school board.
Tyler said, “This meeting being cancelled today (Friday) was simply due to some scheduling conflicts and with next the meeting only being a week away, with a full agenda, we just thought it would be best to cancel this one.”
When asked about how the board moves forward since it has had six paper ballot votes, all ending in a four-to-four vote at meetings held May 8, 11, and 24, Tyler said they are working to try to move forward.
“We have discussed many things but it always comes back to the fact that legally we need 5 votes to move forward.,” Tyler said about the process. “If we fall short of five votes again, we will continue to try to discuss with the members in hopes that we can get a changed vote in one direction or the other to get the district back on the original timeline.
Over the last few weeks, board members Pete Cavenah (District Four), Greg Monceaux (Five), Carolyn Manuel (Six) and Kevin Tyler (Seven) have voted for Kenney Courville, the district’s child welfare, attendance and transportation supervisor. Sally Moreaux (One), Cathy Farris (Two), Karen Reed (Three) and Carleen Mahaffey (Eight) have cast their ballot for Brad Soileau, the district’s instruction and assessment supervisor. All agree either would be a great candidate for the district.
Tyler was asked what would happen if the board doesn’t choose a superintendent by June 30, when retiring Superintendent Kent Reed leaves.
He said the discussion could turn to options of an interim candidate. “Of course, we’d all like to have this completed before that option is necessary.”
For now, board members are speaking with constituents and reviewing the two candidates. They could make a decision at the next meeting on June 12, but they will need five votes to select a superintendent.
