Kenny Courville, a candidate for Allen Parish school superintendent, pulled his name from consideration on Thursday.

Courville, who has served the Allen Parish school system for 25 years as a teacher, coach, administrator and supervisor, said he plans to continue in his position as the current supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, Transportation and Special Services.

Courville and the district’s current Secondary Supervisor of Instruction and Assessment Brad Soileau, were named finalists for the superintendent position in May after current Superintendent Kent Reed announced plans to retire in June.

The School Board was set to re-interview the two applicants at 5 p.m. Monday in hopes of moving pass its deadlock vote that has kept the board from filling the position.

Board President Kevin Tyler said the board hopes to move forward in selecting a new superintendent.

“We have a valid candidate left with Mr. Soileau and will take a vote to see if we can secure the five votes needed,” Tyler said.

In a released statement Courville acknowledges the board’s stalemate, “For the past two months our School Board has been locked in a tie regarding the next superintendent of schools. As time has progressed, this issue has created a division without our parish, which has continued to grow and I do not believe will resolve itself any time soon, but will only get worse.

“I do not feel that this is what is best for our students or employees, especially in this crucial time before the start of a new school year. Because of this, I have decided to remove my name for consideration for superintendent of schools for Allen Parish.

“I will continue to serve the parish in the best way that I can, and will do everything in my power to help bring our parish together in order for our school system to focus on what is truly important, the education of children.”

Courville thanked everyone who has supported him in this endeavor and asked that they help to continue to move the district forward.

Last month, the School Board extended Reed’s contract through Sept. 1 to allow the board more time to select someone to permanently fill the position.

Since May, the eight-member board been has struggled to get pass its 4-4 vote between Courville and Soileau. A majority, or five votes, are needed to elect a superintendent.