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'What a great way to end a career': Acadia Parish superintendent announces retirement
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ACADIA PARISH, La. (KLFY)-- Acadia Parish will soon have a new superintendent. Current Superintendent Scott Richard plans on handing over the reins throughout the next few months, ahead of his retirement in September.
"What a great way to end a career, as being a successful superintendent. It's been the highlight of my career," Richard said.
While Richard has spent six years as superintendent, he's spent 30 years in public education. After navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes, he's proud of what he's done for Acadia Parish schools.
"Starting teacher pay when I got here was right around $40,000. A teacher with zero years of experience with a bachelor's degree will earn over $50,000 this year," he told News 10.
He takes pride in establishing the goals he set when he started.
"The assurance that every kid gets the same quality curriculum and the same quality of education and is afforded the same opportunity, whether they're in Mermantau, Iota, Crowley, Church point," Richard said.
While he's leaving soon, that doesn't eliminate current challenges: challenges he says the next superintendent will face. One of those includes declining student enrollment.
"Taking a hard look at the number of schools we have here in Acadia and the configurations that we have and possibly consolidating those schools to operate more efficiently," he said. "It's better to be proactive looking at those things rather than just getting to a point where you're forced to do things."
The Acadia Parish School System is the biggest employer in Acadia Parish with over 1,300 employees. Richard hopes to continue seeing the parish thrive.
"Hardest working teachers I've ever been around and support staff. Keep doing what you're doing for the right reasons. Stay on the high road and do what's best for kids, and Acadia Parish will continue to be successful," Richard added.
Richard's retirement is set for September, but he said over the next couple of months, he will be transitioning out of his position. Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Carol Tall will be the acting superintendent as Richard steps away.
Meanwhile, the school board approved a search process to find a new superintendent Tuesday night. The advertisement process will start mid-April.