LEONARD GRAY-Staff Reporter

LULING – When Norco K-3 Elementary School opens classes on Aug. 28 to its 4-year-old preschool classes, there could be 15 extra students – all demanding entry.

The board refused, in a 6-2 vote, to consider funding another class at the school to make up for the district administration’s mistake.

“You’ve reduced my child to a dollar,” Pamela Rivero of Montz said. “I cannot accept this!”

The St. Charles Parish School Board was unexpectedly confronted by several furious parents, all demanding entry of their child into the program. Each had received a letter on Aug. 16, signed by Director of Federal Programs Mildred Butler, informing them their child had been accepted.

On Monday, each parent got a telephone call from Butler, informing them it was all a mistake. Before the day was out, several had already called their board member, Jay Robicheaux.

Robicheaux added the item to the end of Wednesday’s board meeting, where he explained the issue to the board. “Because it was our mistake, we should fund the class for one year,” he urged.

Supt. Dr. Rodney Lafon said to assemble the resources, including hiring another teacher, could take four to six weeks.

Board chairman John L. Smith threw up another roadblock, and said if these are accepted, then anyone on the 84-child waiting list should, by rights, be admitted.

The problem comes in, Robicheaux explained, in that the 4-year-old program is state-funded, with no room to expand the program with the limited funds.

Students must apply to the program, with no guarantee of acceptance. However, those not accepted are placed on a waiting list.

Parents argued with Smith, saying the other parents on the waiting list did not get a letter stating their child was accepted, only to have the approval jerked out from under them.

Board member Steve Crovetto likewise argued with fellow board members, arguing that while the process of assembling funds and staff was under way, a substitute or “flexible” teacher could fill the spot.

“We spend the money on subs anyway,” added board member Mary Bergeron.

However, other board members held sway, such as Wayne Roussel, who said if it is opened to these, it should be opened parish-wide.

“Now I have to tell my child he’s not going to school,” Rachell Moriarty pleaded. “Somebody has to make this right. This is so wrong.”

Joelle Perret of Norco added, “This is a complete lack of ethics,” and pointed out the board could drop $67,000 on a bus access in St. Rose, but nothing for wronged children.

Tonya Ostrowski said she told her daughter, Victoria, and had to endure listening to her child’s heartbroken tears.

“I’m going to fight for this,” Robicheaux pledged at the meeting, but acknowledged the next morning there may be little he can do.

Pamela Rivero of Montz affirmed, “It’s like they want to sweep it under the rug. I’m not letting this go. I got a letter in writing, and she’s going!”