Dr. Rachael Sanders has been appointed as Interim Superintendent following the pronouncement of an unanticipated medical leave by Superintendent, Dr. Teresa Bagwell beginning January 5, 2023. As current assistant superintendent, Dr. Sanders is fully abreast of all school board operations and will provide the school system with knowledgeable and experienced leadership throughout this period. As a former school principal and district instructional leader, Dr. Sanders has considerable experience in leading and supporting schools as they pursue academic gains. She has dedicated her career in education to St. Mary Parish Schools and will continue to provide guidance and supervision for the district as the school year resumes into the spring semester.
During the school board’s November 10th regular meeting, Dr. Bagwell announced that she would not seek a contract extension, making it necessary for the Board to begin a process of hiring a new superintendent at the end of Dr. Bagwell’s contract period of June 30, 2023. Conducting a superintendent search will be a critical task for the Board as new members take office on January 12, 2023.