By Cathy Chapman

AMITE--In an attempt to cut costs, the Tangipahoa Parish School System is reassigning and redistributing duties of existing employees rather than hiring new administrative personnel.

Theresa Hamilton, Chief Desegregation Implementation Officer, will take over duties of the chief academic officer.

Hamilton replaces Melissa Stilley who leaves Tangipahoa Parish School System to accept a position with the state Department of Education. Hamilton will be responsible for overseeing all curriculum.

Hamilton will also assume duties as minority recruiter, responsibilities left vacant when Reginald Elzy, former assistant director of human resources took his new position as principal of D. C. Reeves Elementary.

Assistant Superintendent Lionel Jackson will become chief desegregation officer in addition to retaining his assistant superintendent job.

Jackson's primary role as chief desegregation officer will be to ensure that the school system stays in compliance with the federal court's desegregation orders.