After an exhaustive but thorough search which began in August, the Zachary Community School Board voted 8 -1 Thursday night to name Scott Devillier as the next superintendent over the Zachary Community School District.

Devillier, 46, succeeds Warren Drake, who retired from the position Sept. 4 to work for the State Department of Education under State Superintendent John White.

Drake held the leadership role from 2002-12 and was the first superintendent over the then newly formed Zachary School District.

The nine-member school board voted Oct. 25 by signing their name to a card implying their choice for one of the two finalists vying for the position: Devillier or Patrick Jenkins, currently Principal over Port Hudson Career Academy.

Board members David Dayton, Donnie Dykes, Boyce Smith Jr., Jannie Rogers, Hubie Owen, Sharon Samuel, Scott Swilley and Gaynell Young cast their votes for Devillier, while board member Kenneth Mackie voted for Jenkins.

Devillier, the district's Director of Operations, said he is ready to take on the role.

"I want to thank the board for this opportunity. They did this the right way. It was a long process - I'm glad its over - but it was done the right way. Now it's time to go to work. I'm excited to lead this district, which is a model of excellence," Devillier said after the votes were revealed.

Jenkins also thanked the board for the opportunity. "This was a great experience, and I know it was a tough decision. I'll be here to support Scott, ah, Mr. Devillier," Jenkins joked. "I believe it's critically important lead as well as follow so that we can do the right things for the kids in the Zachary Community School District."

The search for a superintendent began in August with 11 applicants which were then narrowed to five candidates. After a first-round interview phase, three finalists were chosen: Devillier, Jenkins and Michelle Clayton, former director over academic accountability and curriculum in the ZCSD. Clayton withdrew her name from consideration Oct. 8.

A second-round of interviews took place Oct. 16. "I have been and am committed to Zachary, and I've built relationships with stakeholders over the last nine years. My experience level plus living and knowing the vision of this board, this team and this community and where we should go, are reasons why I'm the best candidate for this job," Devillier told board members. "I'm a good instructional leader and manager who makes good decisions, listens well and can make the tough decisions while being flexible."

Devillier has held the director of operations position since 2010, following a one-year stint as principal over Zachary High School.

Prior to that he was an assistant principal and director of home and school relations in the ZCSD, which he joined in 2003 as it was forming.

Devillier grew up in Opelousas and graduated from Catholic High Pointe Coupee in 1984.

After high school, he signed a baseball scholarship to play at Louisiana College where he played for one year before transferring to LSU.

Devillier graduated from LSU in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Science and Biology. He later obtained a Master’s in educational administration and supervision from Southern University.

He returned to his alma mater to teach math, biology, physical science and physical education. During his time there, 1989-1998, he was also the assistant football coach and head baseball coach, with his remaining four years there as the head football coach and eventually athletic director.

Devillier was also an assistant principal, assistant football coach and head track coach at Lee High School before joining the Zachary school district.

The superintendent-elect lives in Pointe Coupee Parish with his wife, Stacey, and their son, Tyler, and daughter, Abbey.