The deadline to submit applications for the Acadia Parish School Board Superintendent is Friday, April 27.
After 15 years as superintendent, John Bourque has only about a month left in office.
He laughs that one thing he is particularly proud of as superintendent is surpassing the average life span of a superintendent, which is “often two and half or three years.”
More seriously, the superintendent boasts of achieving his early goal of raising the graduation rate among parish graduates.
During his 15 years in office, Bourque said schools in Acadia have gone from 63 percent graduation rate up to 90 percent.
Bourque admits that finances have been the biggest challenge he has had to face during his time as superintendent, and he believes that will continue to be the biggest challenge facing his successor, adding that Acadia Parish is last in the state for the total amount of money received to educate a child.
But, he added, the board does an excellent job at allocating funds.
Finally, Bourque stated that the qualities he feels are needed to be a successful superintendent are good communication and dialogue between principals, faculty, students and parents.
And “accessibility” played a big role in Bourque’s success as superintendent.
“I have an open door policy,” he said. “Whoever takes my place should be a great communicator and care about the kids of Acadia Parish.”
Bourque is not part of the selection process but said that he intends to be there every step of the way and support the school board in making a decision.
The school board will interview the finalists for the position on May 24.
