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Patterson Today
By the People, for the People
Five Educators Apply for St. Mary Superintendent Post
The applicants hope to become the permanent successor to the recently retired Dr. Buffy Fegenbush.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:34am
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The search for a new superintendent highlights the critical role this position plays in guiding the future of the St. Mary Parish school system.Patterson TodayFive educators, including two current administrators in the St. Mary Parish school system, have applied to become the next superintendent of schools. The applicants were made public at a recent School Board meeting, and interviews are scheduled for April 30.
Why it matters
The selection of a new superintendent is a critical decision for the St. Mary Parish school district, as the superintendent plays a pivotal role in setting the vision, policies, and priorities for the entire system. The applicants bring a range of experience and backgrounds that could shape the future direction of the district.
The details
The five applicants are Dr. Rachael Sanders, who has served as interim superintendent since the previous superintendent's retirement; J Ina, the principal at Franklin Junior High; Dr. Clarence Michael Robinson, an education consultant and former Ohio superintendent; James Russell, the director of child welfare and attendance for Iberia Parish schools; and Emily Martin, the director of the English learning program for Iberville Parish Schools.
- The deadline for applications was Tuesday, April 3, 2026.
- Interviews of the applicants are scheduled for April 30, 2026.
The players
Dr. Rachael Sanders
She has spent her 27-year career in St. Mary Parish and is a former Patterson High principal. She has served as interim superintendent since the previous superintendent's retirement.
J Ina
He is currently the principal at Franklin Junior High after a 28-year education career. He holds a master's degree in education administration and supervision and also represents the Franklin area on the St. Mary Parish Council.
Dr. Clarence Michael Robinson
He is an education consultant from Thibodaux and a former superintendent in Ohio. He has applied recently for superintendent posts in Terrebonne and East Baton Rouge parishes as well as St. Mary.
James Russell
He is currently the director of child welfare and attendance for Iberia Parish schools. With a wide-ranging academic background that included law school, Russell has represented the Louisiana Association of Child Welfare & Attendance on the state's STAR Task Force on school attendance.
Emily Martin
She is listed on the Iberville Parish Schools website as the director of the English learning program and is a candidate for a doctor of education degree from Baylor University.
What’s next
The School Board will conduct interviews of the applicants on April 30, 2026. At least part of the interview process will be conducted in open session.
The takeaway
The diverse pool of applicants for the St. Mary Parish superintendent position reflects the importance of this leadership role in shaping the future direction of the school district. The School Board's selection will have a significant impact on the district's students, teachers, and the broader community.
