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LAPLACE — Kendria Spears has been named interim superintendent of St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools, filling the vacancy left by Rebecca Johnson.

Spears will guide the district through the start of the 2023-24 school year as students return to the classroom on August 7.

Spears was nominated for the interim superintendent role during a special School Board meeting on July 31. She has most recently served as Director of School Improvement, Federal & State Programs for the District.

Spears holds a bachelor of science from Grambling State University and a master of education in administration and supervision from Southern University. She has served as a principal, assistant principal, elementary teacher, and early interventionist.

Prior to Spears’ appointment as interim superintendent during the July 31 meeting, several current and retired educators spoke in favor of nominating Dr. Juanita Hill for the position.

The interim superintendent’s appointment can last up to six months. Next steps for advertising for a permanent superintendent will be discussed at the next School Board meeting on August 10.

The superintendent position has been in flux in St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools since Kevin George exited the district in 2019, kicking off a search process that was restarted in fall 2019 and culminated when Dr. Lynett Hookfin was hired in 2020. Dr. Hookfin led the district for just under two years before resigning in May 2022.

Rebecca Johnson was appointed interim superintendent following Dr. Hookfin’s resignation. Johnson was officially hired as superintendent in December 2022, and she notified the School Board of her resignation on July 21, 2023.