Proctor named to school board

For the next six months, a Proctor will be back on the Acadia Parish School Board.
Just a different one this time.
For years, Dr. Ezora Proctor was a part of the school board. Now her husband, Rev. James Proctor will be, at least temporarily, in service in District 1.
James Proctor is no stranger to the school system. He has been a teacher, counselor, assistant principal and principal at various schools for years.
Now, in retirement from the school system, James Proctor will be helping schools once again.
“I’m following two distinguished people (Syria and Ezora Proctor) that served the people,” he said. “I just want to do the same and give the community representation.
“The welfare of children and the youth is the most important, especially in District 1.
“I want to thank the board for giving me an opportunity as well as Superintendent John Bourque.”
Proctor’s appointment was one of two items addressed Wednesday night at the board’s special session.
The special session was called earlier this week after the death of Israel Syria in March.
Syria served on the board from his election to office in 2006 through his death and was re-elected twice, unopposed in 2010 and defeating “Jeff” Cavell in November 2014. However, due to illness Syria was never able to serve and due to his passing in March, the board was forced to fill his position.
The school board also called a special election in order to fill the position for the remainder of the term, which runs through December 2018, via resolution.
As dictated by Louisiana law (specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes 18:602 and 18:402), the board was required to call for a special election since more than a year remains in Syria’s current term.
LA RS 18:602 specifically deals with vacancies in certain local and municipal offices. By that statute, the school board was to appoint someone who met the qualifications of the office to fill the position within 20 days of the vacancy.
LA RS 18:402 pertains to the Louisiana Election Code and Section E focuses on the calling of special elections.
The election is set to occur with other elections already called for Saturday, Oct. 24.
If necessary, the runoff election will be held Saturday, Nov. 21.
The qualifying period for this election is Sept. 8-10 and closes at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10.