Terrebonne Parish School Board interviews five finalists; final vote set for March 22

The Terrebonne Parish School Board held public interviews March 15 for five finalists to replace the district’s superintendent, hearing opening remarks and 20-minute question sessions from each candidate before setting a final selection meeting for March 22.

Board President (unnamed) reminded attendees that each candidate would have a five‑minute opening, a 20‑minute question-and-answer period and a five‑minute closing. The board said it will meet at 6 p.m. on March 22 to cast voice votes to select the next superintendent.

Candidates framed much of the discussion around teacher morale, recovery work after Hurricane Ida, communication with families and the community, and long‑term academic programming. Corey Butler emphasized teacher support measures including morale surveys and monthly advisory committees, saying, “It can’t just be about data. Teachers are not numbers. Students are not numbers.” Butler also proposed regular district visits and clearer timelines from contractors to restore schools.

Aubrey Ojeron urged continued focus on a facilities master plan tied to recovery and described efforts to move schools back on site when feasible. He expressed support for universal pre‑K in principle while noting logistical and funding questions, and he emphasized frequent community updates.

Dr. Michael Robinson, chief academic officer in East Baton Rouge Parish, said “the victory is in the classroom” and described using teacher advisory committees, weekly updates and videos to build transparency. Robinson outlined budgeting priorities — a facilities study, compensation review and a multi‑year budget projection — and said district leaders may need to seek grants and community partnerships to sustain programming while infrastructure is rebuilt.

Mark Talbot described using established curricula and consistent discipline to raise outcomes, and Clive Washington, who described a 100‑day listening and evaluation plan, prioritized universal literacy screening and layered (MTSS) supports so struggling students are identified and helped earlier.

Questions from board members covered specific community concerns: how each candidate would improve two‑way communication with families, steps to support and retain teachers and coaches, the role of early childhood education and whether candidates would pursue grants or tax increases to fund recovery and programming. Several candidates described pursuing federal grant funds, working with the Chamber of Commerce and other partners, and conducting facilities and salary studies before proposing tax changes.

Procedural motions during the meeting included a 10‑minute recess and, at the conclusion, a motion to adjourn; both were approved by board action. The board reiterated that it will convene a public meeting on March 22, 2022, to cast voice votes and select the next superintendent.

The board recorded basic district facts on the record: the system serves roughly 15,000 students, employs about 2,000 staff and operates 34 schools. The selection process requires the board to return March 22 to finalize the appointment.