Two promoted to school supervisor positions

DONALDSONVILLE – The Ascension Parish School Board promoted two employees to replace two retiring supervisors.

The board appointed Sheila Richardson Savoy to supervisor of elementary education and Ronda M. Matthews to supervisor of career and technical education during the regular meeting Tuesday night in Donaldsonville.

Savoy replaces Fran Hidalgo, who is retiring June 30. Matthews takes over for Mary Virginia “Ginger” Weber, who is set to retire July 2.

Savoy will leave her position as principal of Lowery Elementary School in Donaldsonville.

Board members approved the advertising of the position being vacated by Savoy.

A principal at Lowery over the last four years, Savoy previously served as coordinator of staff development and assistant principal at Duplessis and Dutchtown primary schools. She started with the school system as an English teacher in 1982. She holds a master’s degree in education from Southeastern Louisiana University and a bachelors degree from LSU.

Savoy promised to work hard and try to “fill Mrs. Fran’s shoes.”

She also credited the teachers and staff at Lowery.

“I’m a better person for working with them for the last four years,” she said.

Matthews has served as a business teacher and cooperative office education coordinator at East Ascension High School since 1973. She earned a bachelors degree in business education from LSU and a masters degree in supervision and administration.

“I appreciate  your vote of confidence,” Matthews said to board members.

She also thanked her predecessor, Weber, and her family and friends.

In another matter, the board granted permission to advertise to seek public bids for installing security cameras at the parish’s four high schools and the alternative school.

The purchase previously had been approved through state contract.

In another issue, the board approved the right of way permit and servitude agreement for a proposed sidewalk adjacent to East Ascension High School in Gonzales.

The board previously heard from a representative of the city and a city engineer at the previous regular meeting.

In other action, the board heard from Thad Bellows about an inter-agency lease agreement of a shooting range for use by 4-H children.

Bellows said the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales and the Sheriff’s range have been used, as well as a location in West Baton Rouge Parish.

He said the range would be used only on weekends and upkeep would be maintained by 4-H and parents. He also said there would be no shooting after 5 p.m.

Bellows reported it should be ready for practice by June, or July at the latest.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 17 at East Ascension High School, and the board plans to honor volunteers.