The search for the new Calcasieu Parish School Board superintendent is almost complete.

The CPSB conducted the first round of interviews on Sunday. Three of the five finalists were interviewed: Frank Max Caldarera II, Owen Clanton and Stanton Lawrence.

Each candidate was interviewed publicly for 55 minutes, followed by a private interview in executive session.

Caldarera currently serves as the CPSB Director. He earned a Bachelor of Science in health and human performance and a Master of Education in educational leadership from McNeese State University. Following ten years of teaching and coaching at Westlake High School, he held positions at S.P. Arnett Middle School, first as assistant principal from 2011 to 2013, and then as principal from 2013 to 2021.

Since 2019, Clanton has held the position of CPSB administrative director of middle schools. His career began as a teacher at E.K. Key Elementary. In 2011, he assumed the role of assistant principal at J.I. Watson before advancing to principal at F.K. White Middle School. Clanton holds a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance as well as a Master of Education in educational leadership from McNeese State University.

Lawrence, a finalist for CPSB superintendent in 2022, currently serves as the assistant superintendent of administration for the Victoria Independent School District.

Previously, he held roles as director/principal and assistant superintendent at the San Antonio Independent School District, executive director at BAC Consulting of Texas, and superintendent of schools at the Normandy (Missouri) School District.

He  holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Prairie View A&M University, a Master of Education in educational administration, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from the University of Texas.

Lawrence is the only finalist who is not already employed by CPSB.

Starting at 4:40 p.m. today, July 9, the final two finalists, Tony McCardle and Jason VanMetre will be interviewed in the same format.

McCardle has served as the CPSB director of career and technical education for about nine years. Prior to this role, he accumulated seven years of teaching experience and held the position of principal at Frasch Elementary from 2007 to 2015. McCardle holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, as well as Master of Education degrees in educational technology and administration and supervision, all from McNeese State University.

VanMetre currently serves as the CPSB chief academic officer. He earned a Bachelor of Science in biology education and a Master of Education in educational administration from McNeese State University, as well as a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.

During his career, VanMetre taught at Barbe High School for 12 years. His administrative roles have included assistant principal at Sulphur High School, principal at Westlake High School, and CPSB director of management information systems.

Following the final interviews, the board will vote on the new superintendent.

On Thursday, July 11, the board will meet to negotiate the new superintendent’s contract.

Information on the finalists is available on the CPSB website.