LIVINGSTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD ELECTS LEADERSHIP

The Livingston Parish School Board recently elected a new president and vice president for the 2022 calendar year.  A majority of the board’s nine members selected Cecil Harris of District 5 in Denham Springs as president, and Jeff Cox of District 6 in Walker as vice president. Both were selected by a 7-0 vote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIVINGSTON PARISH EDUCATORS LEARN WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AMONG
THE FEW, THE PROUD

Completing a physically challenging obstacle course or accurately shooting a M16 rifle may not be required skills in their job descriptions, but five local educators were faced with those tasks earlier last month when they were selected to participate in a Marine Corps Educators Workshop.

Literacy and Technology Center Administrative Assistant Nikki Lavergne, Walker High School Teacher Jessica Wagner and coaches Rob Chapman and Doug Dotson, and Denham Springs High School Teacher Maria Ryan travelled to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in Parris Island, South Carolina, Jan. 11-14, to experience the basic training process first-hand.

The Marine Corps Recruit Training Regiment provided drill instructors to escort the workshop in the same manner as recruits in training. Drill instructors also presented the same receiving speech recruits go through when they arrive at the base. They also participated in the tour of the Crucible, which is the recruits’ capstone field training exercise where they attempt obstacles at the Leadership Reaction Course.

“I have a son in middle school who is expressing an interest in a military career, so I had a very personal interest in knowing more,” Lavergne said.  “I will say that I am much less apprehensive, and I am impressed with the many opportunities that exist with the Marine Corps. I would certainly tell my students to not dismiss the military as an option.  Do your research and find out what’s out there, because there is a lot to choose from.”

 

TIME FOR FACILITY FUNDING RENEWAL

Voters will go to the polls in March to vote on the renewal of a 10-year 5.0 mill property tax that has been on the rolls for 70 years.  Voters first created the facility funding source in 1952 and have supported its renewal ever since.

The funding is dedicated to parish-wide construction projects, renovations, improvements and the acquisition of school buildings and property.  The 5.0 mills generate more than $3.1 million for schools each year.

A vote YES for the renewal will NOT increase the amount of taxes currently paid by taxpayers. The proposition will be on the March 26 ballot. Early voting is scheduled for March 12-19, excluding Sunday, March 13.

 

FRENCH SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY MOURNS LOSS OF STUDENT

The French Settlement community is mourning the loss of one of its high school seniors who died following a car crash on Jan. 31.

Nineteen-year-old Emalea Sanchez was driving to school on Highway 16 when her care crashed between Mitchell Road and Shane Drive, less than a mile from the high school.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the student and to the French Settlement High School community at this time. We would ask that our greater Livingston Parish community join us in offering prayers for comfort to all who are hurting,” Superintendent Joe Murphy said.

A GoFundMe page has been organized for the family to help pay funeral expenses.

COMMUNITY EVENT HELD TO COMMEMORATE OPENING OF NEW CAMPUS

School officials held a community celebration on Feb. 12 to commemorate the opening of the new Denham Springs Elementary campus.  Activities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, presentations by school and elected officials, a tour of the campus and lunch for participants.