This story is part of The Current’s ongoing investigation into construction projects at the Lafayette Parish School System. This in-depth coverage was prompted by violations of public bid law uncovered by the system’s auditors, revealing concerns about procurement practices and oversight at one of the parish’s largest public entities.
Amid a forgery investigation, Construction Director Robert Gautreaux has been demoted to his old job teaching agricultural science to students, having lasted less than two years overseeing construction and maintenance projects for the Lafayette Parish School System.
LPSS officials confirmed Gautreaux’s new position and salary. As director of the Construction, Facilities and Maintenance Department, Gautreaux made $104,000 a year, officials said. Effective July 1, he filled what system officials say was an open 12-month position at his old workplace, the W.D. and Mary Baker Smith Career Center, with a $19,000 pay cut…