Vermilion schools ramp up hiring for new year

With twice the usual number of retirees leaving the classroom and enrollment on the rise, the Vermilion Parish School Board is seeking 72 new employees for the new school year.

The majority of vacancies for the 2012-13 school year are classroom teacher spots with at least seven support positions available, said Charlotte Waguespack, assistant superintendent of personnel and administration.

“We have a larger number of retirees — about double from last year,” Waguespack said. “My last count was 48. The majority are classroom teachers.”

This school year, about 9,200 students enrolled in Vermilion Parish public schools, according to Louisiana Department of Education data. In anticipation of a slight enrollment increase next school year, a few teaching positions were added, Waguespack said.

The application period for the positions opened April 20 and will close Friday. A large number of applicants are expected based on last year’s applicants, Waguespack said.

Two years ago, the district cut some positions and had few openings, however, last year, the district was able to open a few jobs, Waguespack said.

“We had 50 to 80 applicants for every job last year,” she said. “I’m anticipating the same this year. It’s been very busy.”

Interviews likely will begin next week and if decisions are made quickly, the first group of new hires could be considered by the School Board at its May 3 meeting, Waguespack said.

The district also seeks a replacement for its maintenance supervisor, Jerome Puyau, a former school administrator who recently was selected as the district’s next superintendent.

In July, Puyau will begin work as the “superintendent-elect” and train until January under current Superintendent Randy Schexnayder.

Waguespack also plans to retire in January, however, the School Board will have a few months to search for her replacement.

Schexnayder will transition out of his superintendent role and move into Waguespack’s job until his contract expires June 30, 2013. Prior to becoming superintendent in 2007, Schexnayder held Waguespack’s position.