The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf on Tuesday approved a set of actions to move forward with its executive director search, including formal approval of minimum qualifications, refinement of preferred degree language, adoption of a salary range and a board vote to change the interim director's public title to "acting director."

Chairperson Doctor Natalie Delgado led the board through a sequence of motions after the executive committee presented recommended minimum and preferred qualifications for the executive director position and discussed candidate screening procedures.

Votes at a glance (motions approved):
- Approve the minimum qualifications as written. Moved by Commissioner Ramos; seconded by Commissioner Crosby; outcome: approved.
- Substitute preferred-degree language: change "master's degree" to "advanced degree (master's, doctorate)." Moved by Commissioner Maneri; seconded by Commissioner Gaspar; outcome: approved.
- Change substitution wording from "PhD" to "doctorate." Moved by Commissioner Wellens; seconded by Commissioner Wimberley; outcome: approved.
- Approve the salary range of $69,014 to $135,408 per year (based on education/experience per state pay schedule). Moved by Commissioner Crosby; seconded by Commissioner Ramos; outcome: approved.
- Change Interim Director Broussard's public title to "Acting Director." Moved by Commissioner Ramos; seconded by Doctor Ashley Argrave; outcome: approved.
- Approve 2026 meeting schedule (January 16, April 17, July 17, October 16). Moved by member Lee; seconded by Commissioner Crosby; outcome: approved.

What the board approved and why: Commissioners discussed language that appears in the minimum and preferred qualifications, including how to assess language proficiency in American Sign Language, spoken English and other communication methods. Interim Director Broussard and other commissioners emphasized that requiring documentary proof of ASL fluency could narrow the candidate pool because some native signers have no formal certifications. Commissioners settled on keeping ASL and other communication proficiencies as part of the screening process rather than imposing an absolute documentary requirement in the minimums.

On degree language, the board approved an amendment to replace a limiting reference to a "master's degree" under preferred qualifications with the broader term "advanced degree," with a parenthetical listing of "master's, doctorate" to clarify intent.

Salary and substitutions: Commissioners approved a salary range of $69,014 to $135,408 "based on relevant education and or experience," noting the range was taken from the state's pay schedule rather than set arbitrarily by the commission.

Title change: Commissioners voted to change the public title used for the commission's long-serving interim director from "interim director" to "acting director," with several commissioners saying the change better reflects the scope of duties she has carried for multiple years.

Process notes: Board members emphasized that the executive council will screen candidates and present finalists to the full board for selection; the council does not appoint the director directly. Commissioners also noted the interview process will allow the panel to assess communication proficiency and other subjective qualifications.

Next steps: The executive council will proceed with screening criteria and recruitment consistent with approved minimums, preferred qualifications and salary range and will return candidate lists to the board for final selection.