By Paige Nash
It was a packed house on Tuesday evening, October 17, at the Bienville Parish School Board’s special-called meeting to consider the process of hiring a new Superintendent and the placement of the current Superintendent, William Wysinger. This meeting followed a failed motion to approve Wysinger’s new contract with a 4-3 vote, at the board’s October regular meeting.
Tuesday’s special-called meeting resulted in a lot of questions and concerns from residents, school principals, parents, teachers and colleagues of Wysinger, yet none of those questions were answered.
The public was allowed to arrive early to the meeting to fill out an index card, granting them permission to make comments – no questions made by the public would be addressed.
Board member Donald Calloway, who has supported Wysinger since discussions regarding the renewal of his contract first began in September, had questions of his own though. He asked, ““Why would we as a board get rid of a man who’s done a good job?”
Calloway also pointed out how much test scores and participation in the dual enrollment program across the parish has improved under Wysinger’s guidance.
“There are people here who don’t always agree with Mr. Wysinger, but they agree he should remain superintendent,” Calloway said.
Ultimately, the vote to consider the process of hiring a new Superintendent did not pass. The vote was tied with Board Member Sharolyn Boston being absent. Board President Martha Griggs voted against the search followed by Donald Calloway, and Derikka Bailey. Voting to proceed with the search were Colton Guin, Oswald Townsend and Darren Iverson.
Another special-called meeting will be taking place on Monday, October 23, at 6 p.m. at the School Board Annex located at 1956 First St. in Arcadia.
Items on the agenda include discussing the process of hiring a new Superintendent and considering placement of the current Superintendent.
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