Iberville board selects ex-teacher for vacant seat

PLAQUEMINE — The Iberville Parish School Board has named a former teacher with 15 years of service to fill the board’s vacant District E seat.

The board chose Pauline “Polly” Higdon Wednesday to replace board member Paul Distefano, who resigned last week, Superintendent Ed Cancienne said.

Higdon will serve until Nov. 6, when voters will elect a candidate to fill the remainder of Distefano’s term, which ends in December 2014.

Distefano, who served on the School Board for 17 years, has expressed interest in a job with the school system, Cancienne said.

The Louisiana Board of Ethics, according to its website, issued an opinion last month saying Distefano was free to pursue a teaching position within the school district, provided he resign from the School Board first.

Cancienne said he plans to ask the School Board during its Feb. 13 regular meeting to advertise for a teacher/coach position at Plaquemine High School.

“Mr. Distefano, and other qualified candidates, are free to apply,” Cancienne said.

On Thursday, School Board member Brian Willis called Higdon a strong choice to serve in the interim role.

“She is a well-educated lady who served for many, many years in this system,” Willis said. “It’s about the respect we have for her and her qualifications. She is a very good choice to replace Paul.”