The Acadia Parish School Board has approved an emergency declaration giving the superintendent emergency powers.
The declaration, approved at a special board meeting last night, gave Superintendent Scott Richard powers that include the authority to sign contracts to purchase things and services without board approval; arrange for the delivery of meals to all children at no cost to the child or family; continue to pay school employees their regular compensation; to adjust work schedules, pay, staff assignments and curriculum; the authority to change the school calendar and to apply to the state department for waivers - all without board approval.
The declaration also gives Richard authority to reply for aid and grants related to COVID-19 matters; provide non-mandatory, supplemental educational resources to students; and to take any action required to implement any of the matters mentioned in the declaration - again, without board approval.
The superintendent will be required to provide regular written reports to the board about what he's doing, according to the declaration.
