Zachary names interim superintendent, board member

ZACHARY — The Zachary Community School Board on Thursday named former Zachary Fire Chief Boyce Smith Jr. as an interim board member from District 7, replacing Carl Kelley.

Kelley resigned to take a job out of state, and an election to finish the remainder of his term will be held Nov. 6, members said. City Judge Lonny Myles administered the oath of office to Smith.

The board also named Finance Director Gordon Robertson as interim superintendent when Superintendent Warren Drake leaves to join the state Department of Education.

Drake’s last day with Zachary is Sept. 4.

Board members named three committees that will guide the selection process to select the superintendent’s successor.

A steering committee headed by member Gaynell Young includes board members Sharon Samuel and Scott Swilley, former board member Beth Kimmell, Mayor David Amrhein, retired banker Harry Morris, Robert Snowden, Laura Steen, Sharon McKnight and several school employees.

Board members David Dayton, Kenneth Mackie and Donnie Dykes will serve on a committee to set minimum qualifications for applicants.

Joining them are Angola Assistant Warden Perry Stagg, middle school Principal Debby Brian, and Bobby Soileau, of the LSU AgCenter.

Dayton said his committee hopes to finish its work next week to allow the board to begin advertising for applicants.

Board member Hubie Owen, Chamber of Commerce President Jason St. Romain, chamber representative Mark Marioneaux, Brent Bradley of DEMCO and former teacher Shelia Harrell will serve on a committee to develop a compensation package for the new superintendent.

The committees will meet next week.

Board members said earlier this month they hope to have the position filled by December.