Vermilion Parish School Board votes 8-0 to name Tommy Byler the new superintendent

The Vermilion Parish School Board voted 8-0 to name North Vermilion Principal Tommy Byler as the new superintendent.
Byler beat out interim superintendent Brad Prudhomme and assistant superintendent Paul Hebert.
The school board also named Byler as the interim superintendent until he and the school board agree on Byler’s contract.
During the interview process on Monday, school board member Dale Stelly asked Byler and the other two candidates why they wanted to be the new superintendent with the COVID-19 problems.
Byler said, “Mr. Dale, it is the time, and it is the opportunity. The pandemic, at some point, will go away. I feel like tonight is about selecting the best leader. After the past few years, we need a leader who will put the school system back on track.”
Byler thanked the school board members for taking “Step One,” which he said was the first step to “Vermilion, United.” He said by voting 8-0, it gives him hope that Vermilion Parish is beginning to unite.
“We have to get all hands on deck because we have 14 days (to the start of school),” Byler said.
Byler said he is not worried about going to work without a contract because the school system needs to hurry and get the children ready to start school. on Aug. 27. He plans to be at the central office this week.
He also told the board members that there would be times when they would disagree with him and vice versa, but as long as the school board puts the children first, “It is a win-win for Vermilion Parish.”