Ardoin Wins; Comeaux Withdraws
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
(Bobby Ardoin Photo)
The District 9 School Board runoff election is over before the start of early voting.
Candidate Greg Ardoin told St. Landry Now.com on Friday that he will be the next school board member representing the district after he was contacted by runoff opponent Derrick Comeaux, who announced his withdrawal.
Ardoin, who owns an electrical business in Opelousas, previously served two parish school board terms (1986-94).
Comeaux, an Opelousas business man and director of the Lewisburg water district, made the withdrawal announcement on social media Friday morning.
The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court office said on Friday that there has been no notification from the Louisiana Secretary Of State Office Of Elections regarding the withdrawal by Comeaux.
Comeaux did not return a phone call seeking comment on Friday.
In the Nov. 3 primary election, Ardoin led a four candidate race with 36.26 percent of the ballots. Comeaux was second with 31.61 percent.
Ardoin said his main focus as a board member will be attending to matters involving Opelousas High and Park Vista Elementary.
His immediate concerns with the entire District, Ardoin said, will be examining how the Board can help improve student bus transportation and matters involving Opelousas High and Park Vista.
“I want to try to make a difference. I know it’s going to be a challenge, but it’s a challenge that I’m excited about.
“The school system has changed a lot since I was last elected. Board members don’t have as much influence with school personnel as they once did. The superintendent has that authority now and the Board can only make recommendations,” Ardoin added.
