By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LUTCHER – The St. James Parish School Board voted to join a lawsuit being filed on behalf of the Louisiana School Boards Association in opposition to some of the education reform measures recently passed by the Louisiana Legislature.

This particular lawsuit, which the School Board voted to join unanimously, opposed Act II and SCR 99. Act II deals with, among other matters, the issuance of vouchers for parents to send their children to private or parochial schools while SCR 99 deals with the allocation of MFP funding.

The basis for the lawsuit draws on the fact that Act II is 47 pages long and addresses too many issues. Article 3, Section 15 of the Louisiana Constitution states that bills have just one primary focus or goal. The suit also asserts the legislation violates the separation of church and state because through the voucher system the state may give taxpayer money to schools that include religious education as part of its regular curriculum.

“I don’t think its fair to use public money for private or parochial schools,” said Board Vice President George Nassar.

According to Nassar, other area districts are considering joining the lawsuit, but none have officially done so yet.

Districts wishing to join the suit must submit approved resolutions to the LSBA office no later than June 22. The suit is being prepared by attorney Robert Hammonds of Hammond and Sills Law Firm and will be filed no later than June 29.

Nassar added that the School Board is also considering joining a similar lawsuit against Act I, which some claim violates the Louisiana Constitution in a similar way, but no decision has been made yet. Act I has been called the “Tenure Bill” by some because some of the legislation deals with changes to employee tenure.

Also Tuesday, the board approved the annual funding it contributes to the operation of the District Attorney’s Office as well as a resolution granting Superintendent Alonzo Luce to accept the 21st Century Community Learning Grant, which helps fund after school and summer programs in St. James Parish.

The board also approved a lengthy list of personnel changes that get the district nearly ready for the upcoming school year. According to Administrative Director of Human Resources Carol Webre, the district now has just three teaching positions left to fill.

Lastly, the School Board recognized two students from Paulina Elementary School who placed in the state physical fitness meet held recently in Baton Rouge. Lindsay Waguespack placed third in the sit-up competition and Zane McCrary placed first in the sit and reach competition.

The next St. James Parish School Board meeting will be held July 10 at 6 p.m. at the School Board office. The 2012-13 budget will be up for approval at the meeting.