By Paige Nash
The Bienville Parish School Board (BPSB) officially approved Dr. Byron Lyons’ contract as Superintendent during last Thursday’s monthly meeting held on Jan. 4, following a fairly lengthy review of the contract.
Member for District 2 Oswald Townsend requested that in the future that members have the opportunity to view information like this before the meetings.
“Going forward, can we have information like this to look over and make a decision on before time instead of trying to get here and figure it out,” Oswald asked. “This is something concerning taxpayers’ money, so to be responsible, we need to take a look at it before we get here.”
Sharolyn Boston, member representing District 1, asked when Lyons’ official start date would be.
According to the newly elected school board President Darren Iverson, the contract must be approved and following the approval Lyons will put in his two-week notice at his current job with the Lafayette Parish School system. Lyons starting date is set for Jan. 22.
The two-year contract, set to terminate on June 30, 2026, stated the general duties of the BPSB Superintendent, as well as organizational duties and civic organization requirements.
According to the contract, Lyons’ shall be paid a minimum base salary of $135,000 exclusive of any sales tax components with any percentage or step increase granted during his term to be automatically added. These steps include annual incentive pay increases if the district meets or exceeds the following criteria under Lyons’ leadership:
“In any year in which the Bienville Parish School District obtains a performance rating of “A” or its equivalent from the Louisiana Department of Education, the Superintendent shall receive additional compensation in the amount of $2,500.
“In any year in which Ringgold Elementary School obtains a school performance score of “B” or its equivalent from the Louisiana Department of Education, the Superintendent shall receive additional compensation in the amount of $2,000.
“In any year in which Ringgold Elementary School obtains a school performance score of “C” or its equivalent from the Louisiana Department of Education, the Superintendent shall receive additional compensation in the amount of $1,000.”
Lyons will also be reimbursed an additional $500 a month for covering maintenance and upkeep of his personal vehicle in the performance of his duties. He will be responsible for providing his insurance with a minimum liability coverage of $100,000/$300,000.
All board members were in attendance and voted in favor of passing the Superintendent’s contract.