Calcasieu School Board elections headed for runoffs

The Calcasieu Parish School Board elections resulted in runoffs in Districts 2 and 14 and a re-election of incumbent John Duhon in District 15.

Duhon, who represents Moss Bluff elementary and middle and Sam Houston High schools, finished the race with 2,493 votes, or 58 percent, according to the Secretary of State’s unofficial results, defeating Simon “Butch” Guidry who received 1,822 votes, or 42 percent. Duhon is a long-time Calcasieu resident and has served the public school system as a teacher, coach and principal.

The District 2 election — which represents J.D. Clifton Elementary, Combre-Fondel Elementary, Ray D. Molo Middle and Washington-Marion Magnet High School — resulted in a runoff between incumbent Fred Hardy Jr. with 1,448 votes, or 38 percent, and Christopher Archinard with 941 votes, or 24 percent.

Hardy said the district is in “very good shape” to improve student outcomes with its bonding funds and he plans to collaborate with principals to modernize facilities and bring one-to-one technology to students.

Archinard said, if elected, he plans to “restore the community’s confidence in its community schools” through the recruitment of certified teachers and partnerships with civic organizations.

District 14, which represents John F. Kennedy Elementary School and Fairview Elementary, also resulted in a run-off between incumbent Wayne Williams with 1,235 votes, or 44 percent, and Desmond Wallace with 1,166 votes, or 41 percent.

Williams said he plans to focus on efforts to “elevate low-performing schools” including ensuring that teachers have all of their necessary resources.

Wallace said, if elected, he will direct his efforts towards moving the district forward by “building bridges and relationships for our children’s future.”

Runoff elections will be on Saturday, Dec. 8.””

Calcasieu Parish School Board

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