Preston Joseph Hebert Sr.
October 28, 2008
Olive "Nookie" Sonnier Pitre
October 30, 2008
Terrebonne Parish Schools Superintendent Ed Richard Jr. announced his retirement from the school system last week.
His retirement is effective Dec. 31.
After 37 years with the public school system, Richard said he felt this was the right time to leave.
“It was just a gut feeling,” Richard said. “It just seemed like it was a battle to get anything and everything done. I just think I had done as much as could with the (school) board.”
In a letter to school board members dated Oct. 22, Richard said his decision was based in part on a deteriorating working relationship between himself and several board members over his agenda.
“During the months following the renewal of my contract, some board members have repeatedly opposed the administration’s proposals and recommendations,” Richard stated in the letter. “This opposition occurs regardless of the context in which recommendations or proposals are made or the reasons.”
Since Richard’s contract renewal in March 2007, he and the board have clashed over privatizing bus transportation, his personnel appointments and the size of the budget.
The 5-4 vote on his contract has caused a rift in the board that affects almost all matters that come before it.
Richard said he does not know the origins of the rancor certain board members have.
“We worked pretty well probably the first year or two years, and then it started downhill from there,” he said. “But I think that’s typical of being a superintendent.”
Some board members thought Richard’s retirement was imminent and praised his years of service to the system and his abilities as a leader.
“I wasn’t surprised by his decision. I was expecting it, and I don’t blame him,” said Donald Duplantis. “I know him well enough that I can read him sometimes. I know he has been frustrated. I think he would have announced something earlier if it weren’t for the hurricanes.”
“He showed strong leadership in all aspects of what he tried to do,” said L.P. Bordelon III. “He guided us through the storms. He was very positive with everything he did. The board didn’t buy into everything he attempted, but that’s the board.”
The immediate intention of other board members is to find the next school superintendent.
“We’re in the middle of a school year. I think we should be concerned with trying to find the best person available and make as smooth a transition as possible,” said board member Clark Bonvillain.
Richard said he is willing to stay on as superintendent past Dec. 31 only if the board does not have a replacement set by then. His contract expires on June 30, 2009.
The board could advertise to fill the position permanently by Dec. 31, or they can make an interim appointment to serve out the remaining six-month term.
“I suggest we appoint an interim superintendent and in January we advertise for a new superintendent,” said board member Roger Dale DeHart. “Whoever wants to apply, we can evaluate them and have a new person in by June.”
Richard will have served as superintendent the past four-and-a-half years. Before that, he was an administrator in the personnel and student services departments.
He also served as the principal at Houma Junior High and Upper Little Caillou Elementary schools, assistant principal at Ellender Memorial High School, and a teacher at Evergreen Junior High.
Richard believes his biggest accomplishments during his tenure as superintendent were doing a better job educating the students, making schools safer, getting better pay for the system’s employees and modernizing older school buildings.
“I think we’ve done quite a bit since I’ve been superintendent, but it’s not just me,” Richard said. “It is the staff and it is the board that does that. The board allows us to do those things, so I appreciate that.”
While Richard said he would miss the students and visiting the schools most, he insists there is plenty to keep him busy in retirement.
“I got plans with working in my yard, going fishing, going on vacation,” he said. “All that stuff I have missed.”
