The Calcasieu Parish School Board underwent a leadership change this summer after former Superintendent Shannon LaFargue announced his retirement in May.

LaFargue was appointed superintendent in June 2022 with a vote of 8 to 7. He was granted a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The announcement followed a public criticism at the school district’s decision to keep schools open on April 10 , 2024,despite severe weather conditions. While filled buses were on the road that morning, multiple tornadoes touched down in Southwest Louisiana. After many students made it to their campuses, schools were closed.

Residents took to social media to express their disappointment in the district’s decision, stating that communication breakdowns on the morning of April 10 put students, bus drivers and parents in danger.

A special meeting was held later in the month to address what happened. District officials explained how the initial decision to keep schools open was made and laid out a plan to institute a delayed school start process for mornings of severe weather.

At this meeting, stakeholders insisted that LaFargue apologize directly to the school bus drivers, who were unsatisfied with a video statement he released two days after the weather event.

“I let you down. No one can say anything tonight more than I am disappointed in myself. I hurt you, and it is my fault, and I take full responsibility,” he said at the meeting.

LaFargue announced his retirement, effective June 28, in May.

The scramble to hire a new superintendent began shortly after.

The board interviewed five candidates who were selected from a pool of eight applicants: Frank Max Caldarera II, Owen Clanton, Stanton Lawrence, Tony McCardle and Jason VanMetre.

After two days of special meetings in July and four rounds of voting, VanMetre was appointed superintendent with a vote of 8 to 7.