SLPSB New Leaders
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
The St. Landry Parish School Board has chosen veteran leadership for 2026, as the District attempts later this year to pass an enhanced millage proposition that offsets revenue loss and expenses.
Randy Wagley, who represents District 9, was unanimously chosen as president, while Joyce Haynes of District 2 was selected vice-president by a 6-3 vote.
Wagley and Haynes each have previous board president experience.
In 2017 Wagley served as president, while Haynes was president in 2023.
Wagley spent last year as vice-president and teamed with outgoing 2025 president Bianca Vedell.
“In his introduction speech, Wagley said the Board needs to stress transparency for a public that will be asked in May to support a 9.9 mills addition to an already existing 20.2 mills of property tax.
The District has anticipated operating fund deficits projected for 2025 and 2026.
Superintendent Milton Batiste III has told the Board that the District has not had a millage increase since 1986.
What Is Being Said
Wagley added that the District has its share of what he called, “roadblocks and challenges,” experienced both last year and anticipated again in 2026.
“However I think this gives us a chance to have opportunities for hearing new ideas. I think that with the leadership that we have, St. Landry Parish schools are in good hands. We just need to continue working together,” said Wagley, who also serves as a state district court prosecutor.
Haynes defeated Robert Gauthreaux in the contest for vice-president.
Board members Kyle Boss, Tiffany Nolan and Gautreaux provided the three votes for Gautreaux.
Voting for Haynes were Anthony Standberry, Raymond Cassimere, Mary Ellen Donatto, Timmakah Hardy, Vedell and Haynes.
Milton Ambres, Renee Aymond and Hazel Sias did not attend the regular meeting.
Vedell mentioned that Ambres is recuperating from an illness.
Haynes said she is familiar with helping lead the District.
“I’m prepared. I’ve been there, done that,” Haynes said.
Vedell, the District 5 board member, said 2025 was “a year like no other. I plan to continue working for the District, collaborating with the students, the Board and the parents. I think 2026 will be a year of new heights.”
The Board unanimously voted to create a pair of new committees composed of board members and individuals who want to provide assistance in helping shape the future of the District.
One committee will examine long range capital outlay plans. Another will discuss employees’ salaries.
Both committees, whose influence was outlined by Vedell during December committee meetings, will report their finds to the Board.
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