There is really no better text than the Bible to find words of wisdom (whether you are religious or not). Some of my favorites come from the Gospel of Luke and, depending on your version, read “to whom much is given, much will be required.”

I have been thinking about this all-important passage a lot recently and can’t help but apply it to the intense competition for and pursuit of St. John the Baptist Parish students.

The competition is currently raging among the parish’s public, private and parochial options.

Heck, there is even an upstart charter option that tried to make waves this year.

Let’s start with St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools, which is currently riding a high following a vote of confidence this month of the District’s financial standing.

Much was certainly given to them Dec. 10 in the form of a .25 percent sales tax hike to fund employee raises and building maintenance capital.

More than 9,100 people participated in the recent election, compared to just under 2,900 that shot down a similar measure in April.

Now our local public district will have an extra $2.4 million annually (estimated) while our parish works through a 10.25 percent sales tax on all commerce.

It’s safe to say we’re all giving on that one. Good luck to the School District as it looks to show greater St. John that their money is well spent.

School District leaders are pointing to state grading as a sign of encouragement.

The school system’s most recent District Performance Score was an 85.2, a B letter grade and the second consecutive year it was accomplished.

“The St. John the Baptist Parish School District remains the only district in the state to attain a B rating while serving a student population where at least 82 percent is classified as economically disadvantaged,” a release from the District championed.

More of the same — if not outright improvement — is expected following this latest revenue boost.

St. Charles Catholic High School is also under some pressure following the celebration earlier this week of the school’s multi-million dollar renovation groundbreaking.

Improvements will include updated security features, a $30,000 technology upgrade, a new large conference room, an expanded cafeteria and commons area, renovations to the gymnasium, the chapel’s conversion to a computer lab, parking lot repairs and construction of a stand-alone chapel.

During passionate remarks Tuesday morning, fundraising co-chair Louis Authement said, “The day will come when we all look back on this day and say, ‘Wow.’ The reality is, right now we’re in a boatload of debt. We will pay back every penny, even if we have to knock on doors with a bucket.”

The $5.7 million project is bold in nature and will need to be matched in equal parts by determination and follow through.

In Reserve, a new leadership team has assumed the reins at Riverside Academy.

Principal Mike Coburn is plainly stating his goal is to increase enrollment, enhance the school’s academics and change the belief of some that Riverside pride is solely tied to the school’s athletic prowess.

“If you want to be a part of Riverside, you’re someone special in our books and you’re going to be treated that way,” he said. “We all know football is king here. We want academics to be king.”

Through tuition or (higher) taxes, nearly everyone who lives in or does business in St. John the Baptist Parish contributes a great deal to our multi-tiered education system.

Much is rightfully expected.

Stephen Hemelt is publisher and editor of L’OBSERVATEUR. He can be reached at 985-652-9545 or stephen.hemelt@lobservateur.com.