By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – According to St. John the Baptist Parish School Board member Russ Wise, “We need to lead from the front.”

In the face of a budget deficit, Wise has put two items of new business on the agenda for Thursday’s School Board meeting. He is proposing a salary reduction for all School Board members.

Under his proposal, members would be paid $1 per month instead of their usual monthly salary of $800.

“I think it would set the right kind of tone,” said Wise.

Wise is also proposing the district do a study to determine if the size of the School Board could be reduced.

“I don’t see why a school system that has about 6,000 children needs a school board of 11 members,” he said. The next round of school board elections are in January, and Wise said he would like to see the board shrunk to nine members at that time.

“We have to redraw the districts anyway,” said Wise.

Also on the agenda for Thursday are an update and contract approvals from CSRS consulting firm. The board will be presented with the low bidder for the extensive renovation project at West St. John Elementary School.

Executive Director of Business and Finance Felix Boughton will present the board with insurance recommendations introduce a resolution calling for a special election for the renewal of taxes that help fund the parish’s school system.

Boughton will also update the board members on budget-related negotiations.

This update will take place behind closed doors, and it is unlikely the board will take any action on the matter Thursday.

Thursday’s meeting will take place in the board’s regular meeting room at Godchaux Grammar. It will start at 4 p.m. instead of the usual 6 p.m.