LIVINGSTON — A special meeting of the Livingston Parish Library Board ended abruptly Friday evening after Board President Jonathan Davis removed the central item from the agenda and board member DeWanna Christian exited the meeting with an undisclosed illness leaving the board without a quorum.
The meeting was called to discuss and potentially approve new qualification criteria for the parish library director position following last week’s controversial firing of former director Michelle Parrish. Davis announced at the outset that he would table the discussion, saying he wanted more time for public input and to ensure transparency.
Only five members remain on the board following four resignations in the wake of Parrish’s termination, the minimum needed for a quorum. Once Christian left the room shortly after public comment began, the board was unable to conduct further business.
During his remarks, Davis questioned the necessity of a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree for the role, suggesting that the board consider candidates with any master’s degree, including former school principals and administrators.
“A degree is a degree,” Davis said, arguing that individuals with leadership experience in education could be equally qualified. “I’m not saying we won’t choose someone with a Master’s in Library Science. I’m just saying I want to find the best person for the job.”
Several members of the public pushed back during the comment period. One speaker accused Davis and the remaining members of pushing a “radical agenda” and holding “backdoor meetings,” calling the proposal to broaden qualifications “disingenuous.” Another added, “Not all degrees are equivalent,” and criticized the board for its lack of clarity.
The tabled item would have aligned local policy with a 2024 state law passed amid a push by Lafayette based advocacy group Citizens for a New Louisiana allowing 18 parish library systems to hire administrative librarians with any master’s degree, rather than requiring one in library science.
Board member Trey Cowell attempted to adjourn the meeting following audience protests, but the motion died without a second. Shortly after, Christian announced she was unwell, gathered her materials, and left the room, breaking quorum.
Before the meeting dissolved, Davis made several committee appointments to fill vacancies left by resigning members and added himself as a third banking designee for the parish library system.
He also read a prepared statement defending the board’s decision to part ways with Parrish.
“At the most recent Library Board meeting, the Board voted to make a leadership change and remove the Director of the Livingston Parish Library System,” Davis said. “This decision came after thoughtful discussion and careful consideration by the Board. It was not made in haste, but with a sincere desire to move the system forward and ensure long-term strength and unity within the library.”
Davis said he has appointed a review committee to help evaluate new director candidates and has worked with the two acting directors to ensure uninterrupted daily operations.
“I believe this is an opportunity to move forward together, with a renewed commitment to our shared mission and a spirit of respect for all who use and support our library system,” he said.
