Caddo School Board Votes to Interview Only One Candidate for Superintendent

SHREVEPORT, LA - In a meeting that lasted for more than 3 hours, the Caddo Parish School Board has decided to interview only one candidate to be the next Superintendent of Schools.

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Many in the crowd during the meeting were stunned when the Board voted 7-5 to move forward with just one contender. 

There were 6 semi-finalists, but the Board members took some time during the meeting to score all of the candidates and one was far and away ahead of the pack.

Who Will Be Interviewed?

In a surprise move, the Board has agreed to interview Keith Burton on September 11. He was the favorite candidate for a vast majority of Board members during a straw poll prior to the vote. He scored a 58 out of a possible 60 in that tally. After those scores were announced, Board Member Christine Tharpe made a motion to interview only the top contender and Katie McLain 2nd the motion.

Jon Glover addresses the Board:

There was no discussion on this motion and the Board voted in favor of interviewing only Burton.

30 people applied for the job, but the consulting firm narrowed that list to just 6 to move forward to possible interviews.

Former State Representative Barbara Norton talked to the Board about the process.

Burton will be interviewed on September 11th. After that, the Board will begin contract negotiations and move to have a new Superintendent in place by October first.

Board Member Dr. Terence Vinson had concerns about some applicants who were not included on the list of semi-finalists.

KEEL News reached out to Burton late Tuesday night and he told us he wants to wait to do any media interviews until after his interview with the Board is done.