Chamber schedules meet, greet for top school job finalists

The final three candidates for the St. Landry Parish school superintendent job are to be featured at a forum scheduled at 5 p.m. Monday at the Delta Grand Theatre, 120 S. Market St., Opelousas.
The forum is scheduled by the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce and Vision St. Landry.
The final three candidates are Dr. James Gray, Francis Touchet Jr., and Patrick Jenkins.
The forum is designed to allow an opportunity for the community at large to hear from candidates on issues that relate to improving the parish’s educational system.
The superintendent’s job became open when the board decided not to renew Superintendent Edward Brown’s contract, which expires Dec. 31.
The School Board scheduled the second round of interviews at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the the district’s Resource Center, 1013 East Creswell Lane, Opelousas.
Raquella Manuel, president and CEO of The St. Landry Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release, “A successful school board plays a vital role in the overall success of the business climate, everyone, not only the business community through workforce development but also the community at large is affected by our school system and that is why we are bringing this forum to the public.”
Sue Brignac, chairwoman of Vision St. Landry, said, “On behalf of Vision St. Landry we understand the magnitude, importance, and urgency in identifying the next dynamic leader of our schools if we are going to keep our parish ‘moving forward’. Perhaps more importantly, we are here to provide support as a collective board in finding the most qualified professional.”
Candidates will be asked a series of questions which are selected from submitted in advance by the public. Questions may be submitted via the event Facebook page at St. Landry Parish Superintendent Candidate Forum or via email at chamberdesk@stlandrychamber.com.
The forum is open to the public.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. and a Meet and Greet with light refreshments will follow.
For more information, contact St. Landry Chamber of Commerce at 337-942-2683.