Jackie Self was named superintendent of Vernon Parish Schools Tuesday during the regular meeting of the Vernon Parish School Board.
Dr. Cindy Gillespie, Vernon Parish superintendent announced several months ago that she would be retiring from her current position at the end of the year.
“My selection today by the Vernon Parish School Board to be the next superintendent of the Vernon Parish School System is both an honor and a challenge,” said Self. “I am very appreciative of the support of the board and will give my all and my best to serve the residents of Vernon Parish, the employees of Vernon Parish School System and the students in our schools.”
Three individuals submitted applications for the job: Jackie Self, Vernon Parish assistant superintendent; Tom Neubert, Vernon Parish director of child welfare and attendance; and Howell Wright, superintendent of the Rosebud-Lott school district in Texas.
Each of the candidates was given the opportunity to address the board Tuesday morning. Wright was unable to attend but sent a letter and asked Gillespie to read it during the meeting. Gillespie copied the letter for the board members, but did not read the letter.
She also said that the board could elect to hire Wright, but that he was not certified in Louisiana as a superintendent.
Self told the board he had been preparing for the opportunity to serve as superintendent for many years.
Self, who said he wanted to ensure that the best teachers are in the classroom,  began his career in education in the classroom before serving as assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.
“I want to hire educators, not just teachers looking for a job,” he added.
Self said that he will be out in the schools and will be accessible to all involved in education: parents, teachers, administration and members of the school board.
“We have a very good educational system in Vernon Parish but there is always room for improvement,” he continued. “I will be a visible superintendent in the communities and the schools. I will interact with employees and students to see their needs and be a firsthand witness of their successes.
“I will rely on our staff for input and suggestions to improve any and all aspects of our system,” he said. “I have full faith in our school principals and encourage all parents to get to know their principals and teachers and to keep in touch with them on a regular basis,” said Self.
After both Self and Neubert had addressed the board, Self received 10 votes to Neuberts two, in a roll-call vote. Wright failed to earn any votes.
Robert Pynes Jr., and Vernon Travis voted for Neubert while John Burns, Mel Harris, Mark Smith, Steve Woods, Ricky Reese, Beryl Ford, Randy Martin, Michael Perkins, Gaye McKee and Gene Haymon voted for Self.
“Jackie has worked with me for the past seven years, six as assistant superintendent,” Gillespie said. “He is a very worthy candidate; he will do a great job. I look forward to a smooth transition. Jackie is a quality educator and will do a great job.”
Gillespie also said that she was happy that the board could promote from within.
The next meeting of the Vernon Parish School Board will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 in the meeting room at the Vernon Parish School Board.