St. Mary Parish School Board approves contract for Superintendent-elect Dr. Sanders

The St. Mary Parish School Board on June 4 approved a contract for Superintendent-elect Dr. Sanders that sets a base salary of $158,000, provides a combined car and phone allowance of $1,000 per month, and runs through Dec. 31, 2028.

Vice President Dr. Wilson and board leaders said the allowance reflects the superintendent’s nearly continuous travel across the district and related insurance and mileage considerations. The contract includes a stipulation that the allowance will pause if the superintendent is on sick or extended leave of 30 days or more and will resume upon return to work.

Board officials told members that Dr. Sanders declined certain benefits offered in the district’s previous contract — notably district-paid health insurance and a 2% automatic renewal increase — and instead accepted a higher base salary and a 1% annual raise tied to a satisfactory evaluation. Board leadership said comparing base pay and ancillary benefits to similar districts shows the total package is comparable to prior arrangements.

Mr. Guillory moved to approve the contract; Ms. Jones seconded. The motion carried after the board was called for voice consent.

After the vote, Dr. Sanders addressed the board and attendees, saying she would "work my tail off" and described the coming period as a team effort, asking the board and community to report problems so the administration can address them.

The board did not record a roll-call tally in the public transcript for this motion. The contract was introduced and explained during the meeting as part of agenda business and carries the effective term through year-end 2028.