Inside Report for Dec. 14, 2011

When Tangipahoa Parish Superintendent of Schools Mark Kolwe was granted a two-year contract extension on Dec. 6, the School Board’s 6-3 vote was a mere formality. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t controversial.

Kolwe, who has spent his entire 38-year career in the Tangipahoa Parish School System, has had a tumultuous four-year tenure as the parish schools chief.

When he was named to the post in 2007, the School Board had to seek a waiver from the state because Kolwe, who had been the district’s business manager, was not certified as a teacher or education administrator.

That same year saw the revival of the long-dormant school desegregation suit, which plunged the school district back into federal court and has cost the school system $3 million in attorney’s fees and other costs since then.

In April of this year, the school system’s four tax proposals — part of the court-ordered desegregation plan — were defeated by historic margins, depriving the district of funds to implement the plan.

Those costs hit the district especially hard as the economy took a downward turn and the state froze Minimum Foundation Program per-pupil funding — leveling state education revenue to the district just when local tax revenue was dropping.

Last month, officials said the district could face a $10 million deficit for the 2012-13 school year unless deep cuts are made.

Kolwe has borne the brunt of criticism over the tax proposals, the low state ranking of the school system — 53rd of 70 school districts — and the budget crunch. At times, he has been prickly in defending his administration.

Before the vote on the contract renewal, Kolwe sent an 18-page memo to board members detailing the accomplishments of his administration, including higher school performance scores and graduation rates.

When the board met to tackle Kolwe’s contract, there was no discussion. Not one member spoke against Kolwe, but none spoke in support.

Board member Brett Duncan, of Hammond, asked for a roll call vote, which was taken. Three board members voted against the renewal: Duncan; Sandra Bailey-Simmons, of Loranger; and Andy Anderson, of Amite.

Tangipahoa news website operator Ken Benitez, who runs AN17.com, compared Kolwe’s contract renewal to an act of “the Stalinist Kremlin.” Benitez also likened Kolwe to a coach “who cannot be fired.”

Kolwe will not receive a raise. He is paid about $140,000 a year to lead the school system of some 19,500 students.

In an interview before the meeting, Duncan praised Kolwe’s handling of a tough situation. But, Duncan said, the system needs new blood.

After the vote, Kolwe thanked the board, noting he is not satisfied with the school system’s state ranking and will continue to work to raise it.

Kolwe, a Ponchatoula High School graduate, said the vote will extend his contract through June 30, 2014.

“I started here, and I want to end here,” he said.

Faimon Roberts covers the Tangipahoa School Board for The Advocate. His email is [e-mail].