Suspect shot by deputies in stable condition
October 10, 2018A reminder of the sacrifices of our lawmen
October 10, 2018
Lafourche Parish’s newly appointed Superintendent of Schools said Monday he is ready and anxious to take over the system’s leadership, and that while he is well aware of the district’s financial woes and other issues, he is confident that he can find ways for the school district to cope.
“I am bringing a vast wealth of experience in terms of the various roles that I have played for the past 23 ½ years in our district,” said Louis Voiron during an early-morning telephone interview.
Currently serving as Lafourche’s human resource director, he expects to begin the top district job Dec. 21. That’s the day after the current superintendent, Jo Anne Matthews, will leave her post. “I want parents to know that my top priority is having their children’s best interests in mind. I want to ensure that we have an environment that cultivates caring and understanding for kids.”
The parish’s 15-membr school board chose Voiron last month over two other finalists in the quest for Matthews’ replacement, by one vote. The other two finalists were Bubba Orgeron, who is the assistant superintendent of schools in Terrebonne Parish and Clyde Washington, assistant superintendent of schools in Rapides Parish.
Orgeron received seven of the 15 votes while Washington received none. With eight votes, Voiron clinched the job. The school board has authorized their attorney to negotiate a contract with Voiron and report to them on Nov. 7.
Matthews’ salary reached $219,937.10 per annum in 2015. The parameters for negotiation with Voiron have not yet been released.
Finances are a topic that Voiron is well aware are an issue in the school district, which has made massive cuts to services to cope with budget shortfalls.
“Absolutely the current financial situation that we are in, and the current status of losing teachers to surrounding districts, that is a challenge we are not going to fix overnight,” Voiron said. “But through collaborative efforts with the community an but through collaborative efforts with the community and the school board we are going to have to address stabilizing our general fund, and educate everyone on what the different funds are comprised of.”
One complication in the financial scheme, Voiron said, are unfunded mandate at both the state and federal levels. As an example of difficulties ahead, he explained that with 85 percent of the budget dedicated to salaries and employee benefits, a one-percent increase in contributions to retirement funds, required by the state, translates to a big chunk of money.
Among the plans Voiron has in mind for meeting fiscal challenges are partnerships with the local business communities within Lafourche Parish.
“A solution to raising revenue is to work with our businesses and the school board, with the various entities to promote shopping local. Schools are extensions of the communities they serve. When you look at commitment to schools from the community, we have a decent-sized parish.”
Coordinated assistance from businesses, while not a cure-all, is a solution Voiron said should be explored.
Also among his plans is a high visibility within the community and the school system.
“I plan on carving out time to be in schools,” he said. “It is important for our employees to see me. That is a time-management component that I am very aware of that needs to be addressed.”
Voiron has heard parents and staff address what they have expressed as a need for change, and he says he is open to such suggestions. But change must be prioritized, and not be made just for the sake of change, he indicated.
“Change is good when it is a needed change,” Voiron said. “I am open to receiving input about what our community is interested in seeing. Each person carries their own unique leadership style and their own unique vision.”
