(St. Mary Parish Superintendent-Leonard J. Armato) The search for a new superintendent of St. Mary Parish schools has elicited applications from four candidates, including two local educators. The position will become vacant following the upcoming retirement of Superintendent Mr. Leonard J. Armato on June 30, 2019. Qualifying candidates must hold or be immediately eligible for state superintendent certification. School board members will be reviewing applications and selecting interviewees in an effort to appoint a new school leader.

Applicants for the position include two long-time St. Mary Parish administrators: Dr. Teresa Bagwell, Assistant Superintendent with 37 years’ experience and Dr. Buffy Fegenbush, Instructional Supervisor of Secondary Education with 27 years’ experience. One in-state applicant, Mr. Clyde Washington, Executive Assistant Superintendent of Administration in Rapides Parish with 22 years’ experience. Dr. Glen Barnes, the only out-of-state applicant, principal in Cleveland, Texas with 20 years’ experience.

On February 12, 2019, school board attorney Eric Duplantis opened the four applications in the presence of superintendent Mr. Leonard Armato, school board president Michael E. Taylor, and school board vice-president Pearl B. Rack. Each applicant was then checked for appropriate credentials and experience as stated in the public advertisement for superintendent.