Judge Denies Former Superintendent’s Request For New Trial

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — A judge has denied former Lafayette Parish schools superintendent's request for a new trial to reconsider his November 2014 termination.

According to The Advocate, State District Judge Patrick Michot said Monday he stands by his decision in September when he ruled the board was within its rights to fire Pat Cooper after he set the salaries of five principals outside the board-adopted salary schedule in the 2013-14 school year.

Michot said setting the salaries outside the board's approved salary schedule was a violation of both board policy and state law.

Cooper requested a new trial, asking Michot to reconsider the merits of his termination challenge.

Cooper has defended the salary decision as a way to attract principals to low-performing schools and said he plans to appeal.