A new assistant principal was named at Wednesday night’s Iberia Parish School Board meeting for Westgate High School.

Superintendent of Schools Carey Laviolette named Theresa Williams, PH.D., as the person taking over for current assistant Lora Kennedy. Williams currently serves as curriculum coordinator for Anderson Middle School and is an adjunct professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

“Dr. Williams’ experience and knowledge make her a great addition to the Westgate team,” Laviolette said.

Williams thanked Laviolette, Westgate Principal Neely Moore as well as faculty and staff at Westgate for the opportunity to jump aboard.

“This is my first year in this parish and I must tell you I’ve been in at least five parishes in my teaching career and in this parish I feel so welcome,” Williams said. “I’m looking forward to fostering positive and productive relationships with staff, with the students, with community leaders as well as our parents.”

In other business, the school board made the final vote to close down North Street Elementary and Jeanerette Elementary schools. The Alternative Center for Education also will be moved into the North Street facility.

The recommendation from the school district’s administration to shut both schools down came due to declining populations in the schools as well as other issues. North Street students will be re-zoned to either Daspit or Park Elementary schools, while Jeanerette Elementary students will be heading to St. Charles Elementary.

The decision to close North Street passed with a 7-4 vote, and with some of the same points reiterated by parents and faculty members who opposed the measure.