By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LUTCHER – The St. James Parish School Board approved a number measures relating to payments and bids for construction projects throughout the parish.

Among them was the acceptance of the low bid for bus barn renovations from G.M. Builders of Baton Rouge. Their bid included two alternate packages for a total of $174,000.

The board also accepted a quote from WTS Contractors in the amount of $9,500 to construct a temporary wooden walkway connecting Paulina Elementary to the portable classrooms currently on site.The board also agreed to look at quotes on a walkway at Gramercy Elementary to alleviate problem areas during rainstorms.

Perry Segura was also authorized to draw up plans to add parking spaces and cement the road on the east side of the School Board Office and to add limestone behind the new gymnasium at Lutcher High School.Administrative Director of Business Operations Jim Mitchell presented the board with the millage rates for the fiscal year 2011.

The rates remained unchanged from last year and were approved unanimously.

The millages are levied on the parish’s property taxes, and the largest amount will continue to fund school building projects.

During his presentation, Mitchell acknowledged that Assessor Glenn Waguespack had told the board at its last meeting that taxes would come in a bit higher than anticipated and that administration would keep the board informed of collections once the majority of receipts are received in February.

Lastly, Superintendent Alonzo Luce recognized St. James High School for being named one of America’s best high schools by U.S. News and World Report for the third consecutive year.