Eunice School Board members cite academic issues in seeking new superintenden

Two Eunice St. Landry Parish School Board members linked academic problems at parish schools as a reason why they joined an 8-3 vote to not renew the contract of Superintendent Edward Brown at a meeting Thursday.

Brown, a 42-year veteran of the school system, was up for a contract decision in September. His contract ends Dec. 31.
Brown is completing his third year as superintendent.
Brown served seven years as principal at Eunice Junior High School and two years as an assistant principal at Eunice High School. He started his education career as a teacher and coach at Eunice High School in 1974.
“St. Landry Parish has been good to me for educational experience; my 42 years experience are all in this district,” he said.
“There has been numerous accomplishments,” he said of his tenure as superintendent. “Did I accomplish everything I wanted to? No, I did not, but I can assure the public as well as the board my contract ends on Dec. 31. I’m still going to continue to work just as diligently as I’ve done in the past...”
Albert Hayes Jr., a Eunice board member, said after the meeting, “We need to do a better job for our children. We haven’t and we need to. This is just a start. Let me say Mr. Brown was not a target. This system is a target. I’m in no way on board for a carousel or musical chairs and continuation of handing this job from one supervisor to next...”
Hayes and another Eunice board member, Mary Ellen Donatto, cited the release of graduation rates by the state showing little growth in the parish and the possible state takeover of South Street Elementary School in Opelousas as tipping points for their decisions.
Donatto said the school system’s main concerns are to educate students and provide financial accountability.  “I really don’t think we are doing either one of those very well.”
The end of a desegregation order governing the school system’s operations is about to end, which opens up opportunities, she said.
“We are looking at a horrible financial strain that is probably going to require some changes in the way our schools are structured,” she said.
“You can’t do any of those things in a year or two years. So, why not have a brand new person to come in and take charge and possibly have enough time do those things?” she said.
Voting against renewing the contract were Charles Ross, Milton Ambres, Anthony Standberry, Randy Wagley, Hazel Sias, Albert Hayes Jr., Mary Ellen Donatto and Raymond Cassimere.
Voting against the motion not to renew the contract were Donnie Perron, Huey Wyble and Kyle Boss.
Board members Roger Young and Candace Gerace were not present.
In opposing the move, Perron said, “We can’t afford two superintendents. I don’t know what the rush is really. This is something that just came out of the blue. I don’t think we should rush into doing this. If we are looking to do something we ought to consider how long we are going to extend. He was evaluated and had an above average evaluation.”
Wagley said this is the time of year the board needs to begin a search.
The superintendent is paid $120,437 a year, according to an audit as of June 30, 2015.  With benefits, the compensation package was worth $175,753.