Cameron Parish School Board members on Wednesday formally accepted Superintendent Stephanie Rodrigue’s retirement and made plans to begin the search for a new superintendent.

Board member Tracy Carter said they will begin advertising for a replacement July 23 and that a new superintendent should be chosen by September. Rodrigue, who has served as superintendent since 2007, told the board on June 7 that she would retire in October unless a replacement was found sooner.

Some board members criticized Rodrigue after she received a payment of over $50,000 in December 2012. Rodrigue said the money came from salary increases she had not taken over several years.

A state police report said Rodrigue violated laws against “second degree injuring public documents” and “filing or maintaining false public records.” The conclusions were based on the handling of Rodrigue’s employment contract, including dates when her contract was signed and notarized. The report said most of the allegations against Rodrigue “were ethical in nature.”

Despite the findings, the state Attorney General’s Office in March cleared Rodrigue of criminal wrongdoing.

During the meeting, the School Board tabled discussion about the $50,000 payment because Rodrigue is on vacation. “There are still some questions the board has about that,” Carter said.

She said the board also discussed setting a $100,000 minimum salary for a new superintendent but that the amount “is still negotiable.” Carter said Rodrigue’s most recent contract called for a salary of $138,000, which included the $50,000 payment. She said the school district has fewer than 1,300 students.

After the meeting, Rodrigue told the American Press via text message that she is “very pleased that the board is moving forward with the advertising process.”(MGNonline)