Gautreaux resigns as Vermilion Parish School Board member to accept Civil Service job with city of Abbeville

It was not how Chris Gautreaux thought his school board member tenure would end. At Thursday night’s school board meeting, Gautreaux announced he would be resigning as a school member in the North Vermilion area.
His resignation will become effective on Nov. 2.
Gautreaux was the longest sitting school board member than the other seven. He has been a school board member for 11 years.
He had to step down because he accepted a Civil Service position with the city of Abbeville. Gautreaux will be the Public Works Director for the city.
Gautreaux was offered the shop earlier in the week but not 100 percent sure he was going to accept it because he knew he would have to resign as a school board member.
Before the Thursday meeting, he decided to take the job.
At the end of his final meeting in board commentary, Gautreaux made the announcement.
Gautreaux’s wife, Lisa, and their two grandchildren, Maggie and Catherine Meaux were at the meeting. During his board member commentary, the grandchildren went to sit with him.
“I did not jump up and make the decision. I am resigning. I thought about it because I gave 11 hard years to the kids of the parish,” said Gautreaux. “I appreciate all of the support everyone in the central office has given me and trusted me.
“The last thing I wanted to do was resign, but I have to do what is best for my family and me.”
Gautreaux said he feels the school system is in a better place than it has been. He praised the board. He also requested that whoever the school board decides to replace him with has to be for the kids, like he was, he added.
Gautreaux played a big part in helping get support workers a recent raise. He admits he was not perfect in how he did things, but he got things done.
“I am proud of some things I have done. Was I perfect? Nobody is perfect,” he said. “I will go on my new journey.”
Each school board member thanked him for his service.
School Board member Laura LeBeouf said, “You fought hard for North Vermilion. “I hope the next person can fight as hard for the North Vermilion schools as you did.”
After Nov. 2, the school board has 20 days to name his replacement. After that, his replacement will remain in office until the regular election in November of 2022.