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Lafayette Parish School Board begins search for new superintendent

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The Lafayette Parish School Board is moving forward with advertising for a new superintendent.

Irma Trosclair is the interim superintendent and has been in that role since May of last year. The previous board deferred the hiring process until the new board was sworn in at tonight's meeting.

District 6 board member Justin Centanni said it's an important process to go through to hire the right person.

"I think you're looking for someone who is a strong academic leader, someone who's a strong organizational leader, someone who has a strong background in finance," Centanni said. "It's a lot to ask for."

Donald Aguillard, one of the newest members of the board, brings more than 40 years of education experience including time as Lafayette's superintendent.

"I respect the wishes of the board and I want to be able to guide when appropriate," Aguillard said. "I also want them to form their own opinion because this is an important issue for Lafayette and we need to choose wisely."

Aguillard said he'll use his experience to look for key items in candidates.

"You look for evidence that the person can collaborate and has the where-with-all to think logically and really to be able to look downstream and to anticipate what are the next challenges and opportunities," Aguillard said.

Board member Tehmi Chassion said he respects the process, but he's hopeful interim superintendent Irma Trosclair gets the job.

"She has been busting butt to make sure we're on the right track and the schools are rolling. You've got to be able to see the unique qualities that will give us a chance to become the "A" school district we're destined to be," Chassion said.

Centanni said, "Competition makes everyone better. We'll open this up, see what kinds of applications we get and go from there."

Trosclair has confirmed she is applying for the permanent job.

The job officially opens on January 12 and the last day applications can be post marked is February 28.