Acadia board extends Bourque’s contract

The Acadia Parish School Board is opting for two more years with superintendent John Bourque.
“There are many school boards in the state that have a lot of problems, and, of course, we have our share, but we are fortunate to have a guy like Mr. (John) Bourque that provides the leadership for our school system as well as the board,” said David Lalande. “Mr. Bourque, I wish I could tell you, you are perfect, but I feel like we’re fortunate to have you.”
“It takes a team,” said Bourque of all of those employed by the Acadia Parish School Board throughout the parish.
“Mr. Bourque was hired in 2002, August, I think, and I came on with him in January, and we went through some ups and downs, mostly downs at first,” said Gene Daigle. “There was a big cloud that hung over this place, and I want to credit (Bourque) for changing all that.”
The board’s vote to approve the contract extension was unanimous.
Bourque is a former Eunice High School principal.
The board also heard several requests from area high schools that were unanimously approved. They include:
— Iota High School Golden Girls requested traveling to Orlando from Feb. 26, 2017, through March 3, 2017, to perform at Walt Disney World.
— Iota High chapter of FFA requested being able to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis from Oct. 17-22.
— Alyssa Stelly, an Ag teacher at Church Point High School, also requested the ability to attend the convention to serve as a national judge from Oct. 17 to 20.
— Midland High School’s band requested being allowed to travel to Branson, Missouri, from May 4 through May 7, 2017, to perform at the Clay Cooper Theatre.
The board will hold committee meetings May 17 and its next board meeting Nov. 7.