THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — A Louisiana public school system’s temporary leader has been elevated to the fill the role on a permanent basis.

The Lafourche Parish School Board overwhelmingly voted to keep interim chief Jarod Martin on as superintendent Tuesday in a 13-2 vote, The Courier reported.

Martin began serving as the acting superintendent last July after former superintendent Louis Voiron went on an extended medical leave. The board started its search for a new district head after Voiron told the board in the fall that he wouldn’t be returning.

After hugging his family, Martin thanked the central office staff for its support over the past six months.

“I feel confident moving forward because of the team we have and ... the teachers we have in this district are going to keep us moving in the right direction,” he said.

Martin will soon tackle helping the district pass a proposed half-cent sales tax to fund employee raises among other priorities in the district’s latest strategic plan.