Vermilion School Board Suspends Superintendent

The embattled relationship between the Vermilion Parish School Board and Superintendent of Schools Jerome Puyau opened yet another chapter following last night's meeting of that board.

In a vote of 4 to 3, the VPSB decided to place Superintendent Puyau on administrative leave. During that time the board plans to investigate the following accusations concerning Puyau.

• Failing to put items on Board agendas as requested by Board members, in violation of Board policy and District Court orders
• Failing to acknowledge and implement Board action on May 30, 2019, to eliminate the position of Risk Manager/Legal Counsel, effective that date
• Failing to acknowledge and implement Board action on May 30, 2019, to name Hammonds, Sills, Adkins & Guice as Board General Counsel and to direct that all legal matters concerning school system be referred to that firm for handling, effective that date
• Hiring administrative personnel who do not meet the qualifications for the position outlined in Board-approved job description
• Authorizing the payment of private attorneys’ fees with Board funds without the knowledge or approval of the Board

This list of accusations was compiled and reported in a story by KATC Television.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Puyau says he plans on reporting for work this morning. His reasons?

We have a board that says I'm suspended, the actual agenda items do not indicate that I am suspended until after the investigation.

The embattled Superintendent is also suggesting that the Vermilion Parish School Board violated Louisiana open meetings laws by discussing his situation behind closed doors. However, a member of the VPSB said the closed-door meeting was not to discuss Puyau's investigation but rather to discuss details with their lawyer.

This is just the latest in a saga that stretches back over several years between Puyau and members of the board.