Why Rush? The Board Has Time to Get This Right

The Board Has Time to Get This Right

With Frank Jabbia’s retirement announced, the St. Tammany Parish School Board has scheduled an October 5 special meeting to appoint Steven Alfonso as interim superintendent. That is a major leadership decision coming just days after Jabbia's sudden retirement. District announcement, Board meeting schedule

I understand the need to keep our schools running. Parents and employees need to know who is responsible and who can make decisions. But I refuse to believe that Alfonso is the only person working for that St. Tammany Parish School District that is capable of filling the interim role. The board should take enough time to consider its options, explain its reasoning, and look beyond the people already sitting in the front office.

Louisiana law gives the board room to do that.

Under Louisiana Revised Statute 17:54, an interim superintendent has the same authority as a superintendent. The interim appointment is exempt from the statutory provisions governing the permanent superintendent’s selection and employment process and the requirement or contents of a contract. A permanent appointment, by comparison, requires advertising and soliciting applications, with the required publications completed at least 30 days before the board fills the position. Louisiana R.S. 17:54(B)

That distinction matters. The board can provide capable temporary leadership while taking the time to conduct a serious search for the permanent position. There is no need to treat the interim appointment as a decision about who should lead this district for years to come.

The law also generally limits interim service to six months in a twelve-month period, but expressly makes an exception when the appointment occurs during the final year of the majority of board members’ terms. That provides additional flexibility during an election-year transition. Louisiana R.S. 17:54(B)(4)(d)

The board should use that flexibility to broaden its thinking. Experienced principals and leaders from other school systems deserve consideration alongside central-office administrators. Familiarity with the district is useful, but it should be weighed against judgment, independence, a record of protecting students, and the ability to earn employees’ and families’ trust.

An internal candidate may ultimately be the strongest choice, but the board should be able to explain why after considering alternatives. Having an office down the hall should not make anyone the automatic successor.

Before voting, board members should explain which alternatives they considered, what they expect the interim to accomplish, and how they will conduct the permanent search. Parents and employees should have a meaningful opportunity to speak before that decision is made.

I want the board to appoint capable temporary leadership, set clear expectations, and open a broader search. Our children, employees, and taxpayers deserve a decision made with care—and a board willing to show its work.

Please be sure to like and follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ben4sb