Board Considers School Contract, Approves Transfers
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com editor
The St. Landry Parish School Board is scheduled to review a proposed three-year contract renewal for a District-operated French immersion school, while agreeing to proceed with the transfer of some Eunice students and all of those now attending Washington Elementary.
In addition during the same Thursday night meeting, board members approved three 2025 property tax millages and agreed to further study a proposal that would let students wear spirit shirts instead of those considered appropriate by the District.
The Board also recognized 26 personnel retirements. Eleven of the retirees possessed over 30 years of experience, according to information provided by the District.
Ecole-Saint Landry Contract
Board attorney Courtney Joiner said he plans to submit copies to each board member of the proposed renewal contract for the French immersion school located in Sunset
Joiner said he anticipates board members will review the contract proposal in order to vote on the item by July 1.
The District provides curriculum and other forms of support for Ecole Saint-Landry students who currently attend in grades kindergarten through fourth grade.
Principal Lindsay Smythe said the school, which now has 212 students, plans to eventually expand to grades kindergarten through eighth grade.
At some point Smythe said, Ecole Saint Landry students will attend classes at the former Sunset High School campus which is undergoing renovation.
Open enrollment opportunities for new students are underway. Smythe said more enrollment information can be obtained by contacting Ecole Saint Landry by using the website address on the District website.
School Transfers
The board adopted a committee-approved plan that reassigns Eunice Elementary students to East Elementary and Glendale Elementary.
In a separate vote, the Board also decided to send all students from Washington Elementary to Palmetto Elementary.
Board members discussed each issue at length during a March retreat and two committee meetings, using information from employed demographer Mike Hefner.
Most of the opposition for the reassignments came from residents in the Washington area.
Tax Millages
The three property taxes collected in 2025 by the District for employees, maintenance and operation were adopted at the maximum authorized levy, according to Finance Director Shaun Grantham.
An 11.78 mills tax will be dedicated for salaries. Two separate millages of 4.37 mills each, will be used for maintenance and constitutionally mandated school provided services.
Spirit Shirts
Board member Renee Aymond introduced a proposal that would allow all district students to wear spirit shirts beginning in August.
The spirit shirts and sweatshirts would replace the currently approved uniform tops, according to Aymond.
Aymond said students at Port Barre prefer wearing the spirit attire rather than the mandated uniform shirts.
Board member Hazel Sias said she is opposed to any uniform changes. Sias said board members worked hard to establish the current student uniform policy and there is no reason to change that decision.
