Centerville principal will be human resources director for schools

Centerville High School Principal Kristina Estay will be the next human resources director for St. Mary Parish schools, Superintendent Teresa Bagwell said in a press release.

Estay will succeed Suzanne Bergeron, who is retiring.

Estay will begin working with Bergeron in early June.

"Given the critical role that the Human Resource Director plays in recruiting and supporting the retention of employees, the district recently conducted an extensive search and interview process for her successor," Bagwell said.

Estay started as a math teacher at Patterson High School and Patterson Jr. High School before moving into the administrative ranks as an assistant principal and now principal, of Centerville High School.

Her 26-year career also included several years as a softball and volleyball coach.

Estay has led Centerville High School since 2015, instituting the “Leader in Me” Program that achieved “Lighthouse” status.

"Ms. Estay has benefited from the experience of guiding Centerville through the myriad of academic changes at every grade level and brings a wealth of experience into the position of Human Resources Director," Bagwell said.

The superintendent said the district is also grateful for the many contributions made by Bergeron as she approaches retirement.

"Her 36 ½ -year career was also solely devoted to supporting the students, teachers, and staff of St. Mary Parish as an elementary teacher at Lagrange and Hattie Watts Elementary Schools, and curriculum facilitator at Maitland Elementary School," Bagwell said.

Bergeron also held several educational leadership positions, including district instructional specialist, principal of Patterson Junior High School and supervisor of elementary and middle schools before moving into the position of human resources director.

Additionally, Bergeron completed the state’s National Institute for School Leadership program and was selected as Parish Principal of the Year for Middle Schools.

"Her vast expertise in the academic arena of K-8 education and support for educators was a driving factor in her success," Bagwell said.

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