News Alert: OPSB seeking interim to fill Ira Thomas’ seat

The Orleans Parish School Board is seeking an interim replacement for board member Ira Thomas.
Thomas resigned Friday, March 6 upon being charged with taking a bribe.

The school board has 10 business days to find a replacement to fill Thomas’ seat until a Special Election is called. They are hoping to appoint a qualified person at their March 17 meeting, but if they can’t agree on a candidate, Governor Bobby Jindal must appoint someone.

OPSB has put out a call for candidates. Anyone interested must hand deliver a Letter of Interest to the OPSB office by noon on Thursday, March 12. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Louisiana for the last two years and of District 1 for the last year.

OPSB is hoping to get someone well-versed on school matters who “can just jump on board.” This is important since the school board is in the middle of negotiating a contract with its new superintendent, Henderson Lewis Jr.

To apply:

Letters of Interest should be addressed to Board President Seth Bloom and hand delivered to the OPSB Board Office, 3520 General de Gaulle Drive, Suite 5055, New Orleans by noon on Thursday, March 12, 2015.

In addition to the Letter of Interest, all persons must submit a resume’ and an Affidavit of Qualifications [consistent with La. R.S. 17:52(E)]. A copy of a current Louisiana Driver’s License (or other official Louisiana identification) must be attached.

Although not mandatory, interested persons may also submit with their Letter of Interest a short Vision Statement responding to the following three questions: 1) What is your vision for public education in New Orleans? 2) What in your experience best qualifies you for this interim appointment? 3) In your opinion, what does a “quality” school district look like?