Morgan City Daily Review
May 13, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH
PUBLIC SCHOOL
Regular Meeting of St. Mary Parish School Board
04/02/2026
05:30 PM
Evans Medine Meeting Room
474 Hwy 317, Centerville, LA 70522
MEETING
MINUTES
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Attendance
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Voting Members
Guienzy Brent, Board Member
Dr. Tammie Wilson, Board Member - Vice President
Lindsey Anslem, Board Member
Debra Jones, Board Member
Ginger Griffin, Board Member
Marilyn LaSalle, Board Member
Chad Paradee, Board Member
Alaina Black, Board Member - President
Andrew Mancuso, Board Member
Rhonda Dennis, Board Member
Lawrence Guillory, Board Member
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I. Meeting Called to Order (Mrs. Black)
The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Black.
1. Roll Call (Dr. Sanders)
The roll call was conducted by Dr. Sanders.
II. Opening of Regular Meeting
The St. Mary Parish School Board met in regular session on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana for the following purposes and to take whatever actions necessary. The meeting may be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZ1z15loF_FZnVcBe09cRQ
1. Invocation (Mr. Holmes)
Mr. Holmes gave the Invocation.
2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America (Mrs. Black)
President Black led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
3. Introduction of Students and Employees of the Month (Mrs. Black)
A. Centerville High School (Principal Ross)
Recognition of Students and Employee of the Month was introduced by Assistant Principal, Tara Fabre. She provided brief remarks highlighting the achievements and contributions of the honorees as follows:
• Peyton Ross 5th grade student
• Chloe Ross 8th grade student
• Ava Louviere 12th grade student
• Lauren Palombo teacher
III. Appearances
1. Recognition of Alicea Franklin for artwork displayed at the Louisiana School Boards Association Convention March 29-31, 2026. (Ms. Reagan Beaubouef)
Ms. Reagan Beaubouef, a talented teacher at Patterson High School, recognized Alicea Franklin for her outstanding artwork selected for display in the high school division at the Louisiana School Boards Association Convention, held March 29–31, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
2. Recognition of St. Mary Parish Educator Rising Students who qualified for National Competition. (Ms. Leslie Smith, MCHS Educators Rising Sponsor)
Ms. Leslie Smith, Morgan City High School Educators Rising sponsor, recognized St. Mary Parish Public Schools students participating in the Educators Rising program who qualified at the state level to advance to the Educators Rising National Conference, to be held in Portland, Oregon, June 20–23, 2026. The qualified students completed all preparation outside a scheduled class setting, as Educators Rising operated as a club during the 2025–2026 school year.
• Ava Ho, junior at Morgan City High School, achieved first place overall at the state level.
• Kyla Smith and Kinsley Aucoin, both sophomores at Morgan City High School, achieved first place in the state at the Junior Varsity level and second place overall statewide.
• Violet Busse, freshman at Morgan City High School, achieved first place at the Junior Varsity level and fourth place overall statewide.
3. Recognition of the St. Mary Parish Public Schools Welding Competition winners. (Ms. Ashley Clark)
Ms. Estay recognized students on behalf of Ms. Ashley Clark in connection with the Third Annual St. Mary Parish Public Schools Welding Competition, held March 21, 2026, and hosted by New Industries. Board members Andrew Mancuso and Chad Paradee were recognized for their involvement and support of the event. District welding instructors Ashley Boudreaux, Coty Trahan, and John Young were recognized for their instruction and support of student participation in the welding programs at St. Mary Parish Public Schools. Zayden Crandall, Patterson High School, was recognized for first place in Stick Welding; Noah LeBlanc, Patterson High School, for first place in Flux Core Welding; and Logan Bailey, Morgan City High School, as Grand Champion (not present).
4. Recognition for an award presented to a Board member at the Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA) Convention. (Dr. Wilson)
Following ap- proval of the amended agenda, the Board addres-sed an appearance item added to recognize a board member for an award presented at the Louisiana School Boards As- sociation (LSBA) Annual Convention.
Dr. Wilson recognized Board Member Marillyn LaSalle on behalf of the Louisiana School Boards As- sociation for her 32 years of service as a member of the St. Mary Parish School Board. Ms. LaSalle was honored at the 88th LSBA Annual Convention for her longstanding commitment and service to public education in St. Mary Parish.
Additionally, President Black recognized Dr. Tammy Wilson for her appointment to the LSBA Board of Directors, providing St. Mary Parish with representation at the state association level.
IV. Approval of Amended Agenda (Mrs. Black)
The Board considered two amendments to the agenda requiring unanimous approval.
The first amendment was proposed to add a recognition item under Appearances for an award presented to a board member at the Louisiana School Board Association (LSBA) Convention.
Motion made by: Andrew Mancuso
Motion seconded by: Debra Jones
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
The second amendment was proposed to add an item under Business Affairs, Item 1B, to discuss and/or take action regarding technology purchases by transferring $1,000,000 from the Technology Reserve Fund.
Motion made by: Rhonda Dennis
Motion seconded by: Guienzy Brent
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
V. Approval of Official School Board Minutes (Mrs. Black)
1. Regular Meeting: March 5, 2026
The board ap- proved the official school board minutes from the regular school board meeting held on March 5, 2026, as presented.
Motion made by: Dr. Tammie Wilson
Motion seconded by: Ginger Griffin
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
VI. Approval of Consent Agenda (Mrs. Black)
President Black stated that board members can remove any of the items on the consent agenda for further discussion in the regular proceedings. Dr. Sanders read aloud the items on the consent agenda.
Motion made by: Dr. Tammie Wilson
Motion seconded by: Lindsey Anslem
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
1. *Proclamations:
A. *National Autism Awareness Month April 2026 (Ms. Mitchell)
B. *National Assistant Principals Week April 6-10, 2026 (Ms. Mitchell)
C. *National Administrative Professionals’ Week April 19-25, 2026 (Ms. Mitchell)
D. *National Library Week April 19-25, 2026 (Ms. Mitchell)
E. *Week of the Young Child April 11-17, 2026 (Ms. Mitchell)
2. *Request permission to obtain proposals for a financial institution to serve as the fiscal agent for the school board for the year commencing July 1, 2026 (Mrs. Voisin)
3. *Request permission to obtain proposals for a newspaper to serve as the official journal for the school board for the year commencing July 1, 2026. (Mrs. Voisin)
4. *Request permission to obtain proposals for disability insurance for the year commencing October 1, 2026 (Mrs. Voisin)
5. *Field Trips
A. *Centerville High School travel to National Beta Conference, June 15-18, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Dr. Sanders)
VII. Personnel
1. Review and approve an update to the 2026-2027 em- ployee calendars. (Ms. Estay)
The board ap- proved revisions to the 2026–2027 employee calendars to make November 3, 2026, a virtual teacher-in-service day to comply with state guidance while allowing completion of required training sessions.
Motion made by: Ginger Griffin
Motion seconded by: Guienzy Brent
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
VIII. Business Affairs
1. Review results of the GovDeals surplus technology auction and consider approval to award the sale to the highest bidders. (Mrs. Jackee Jackson)
Mrs. Jackee’ Jackson, purchasing agent, provided the Board with the results of the GovDeals online auction for surplus technology items previously de- clared surplus at the December 2025 Regular Board Meeting. The auction was conducted from March 16–24, 2026, and 100 percent of items were successfully sold for a total of $1,470.00. The items were sold in four separate lots. Approval was requested to award the sale to the highest bidders as follows:
• Lot 1: Computer chargers, keyboards, and mice awarded to Abigail Nchekwube of Sachse, TX 75048 for $800.00
• Lot 2: Computer Monitors awarded to Patrick Timamo of Houston, TX 77082 for $200.00
• Lot 3: Desktops awarded to Marcel Barreiro of Miami Beach, FL 33141 for $420.00
• Lot 4: Printers, Scanners, Promethean Board Stands and Accessories Awarded to Mark Drago of Port Allen, LA 70767 for $50.00
Motion made by: Debra Jones
Motion seconded by: Marilyn LaSalle
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
A. To discuss and /or take action regarding technology purchases by transferring $1,000,000 from the Technology Reserve Fund. (Mr. Vead)
The Board considered an amended agenda item to approve the transfer of $1,000,000 from the Technology Reserve Fund to allow for immediate technology purchases. Mr. Vead explained that device costs have increased significantly and recommended purchasing devices prior to the start of the next fiscal year to avoid additional cost increases. The funds will be used for student devices, staff devices, and required re- placements due to operating system end of life and enrollment changes. Mr. Vead further stated that all devices will be inventoried and tracked through the district’s asset management system.
Motion made by: Marilyn LaSalle
Motion seconded by: Dr. Tammie Wilson
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
2. Adopt resolution regarding displaying do- nated Ten Commandments posters in classrooms pursuant to Louisiana Act 676. (Dr. Sanders)
Dr. Sanders presented the item to the Board for approval regarding a resolution on the display of donated Ten Commandments posters in classrooms pursuant to Louisiana state law. Dr. Sanders reported that guidance was received from the Attorney General’s Office confirming that the law is currently in effect and enforceable. It was further reported that the posters were donated at no cost to the district and that sufficient posters are available for all classrooms. Placement requirements, including poster size and appropriate wall placement, were outlined in accordance with statutory guidance.
Motion made by: Lawrence Guillory
Motion seconded by: Lindsey Anslem
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
3. Discuss and/take action concerning the Superintendent Search Process (Mrs. Black)
Attorney Evan Alvarez provided an update regarding the superintendent search process. He reported that the Board designated post office box was checked on the application deadline, and five applications were received. The applicants were identified as Emily Morton, J Ina, James Russell III, Clarence Michael Robinson, and Rachel Sanders. He outlined the available options for proceeding with the search including narrowing the applicant pool prior to interviews or interviewing all applicants and appointing a superintendent. Based on the number of applicants received, Mr. Alvarez recommended proceeding with interviews of all five applicants.
Motion made by: Debra Jones
Motion seconded by: Lawrence Guillory
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
The board ap- proved to schedule all applicants for Thursday, April 30, 2026, starting at 3:00 p.m.
Motion made by: Andrew Mancuso
Motion seconded by: Marilyn LaSalle
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
An amended motion was made and seconded to revise the interview starting time from 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Motion made by: Andrew Mancuso
Motion seconded by: Marilyn LaSalle
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
Interviews were randomly drawn by board members during the meeting.
The interview order is as follows:
• J Ina - 2:00 p.m.
• James Russell, III - 3:00 p.m.
• Rachael Sanders - 4:00 p.m.
• Clarence Michael Robinson, Jr. - 5:00 p.m.
• Emily Martin - 6:00 p.m.
The Board ap- proved recommendations by legal counsel regarding the superintendent interview format. The interviews will be conducted in a public meeting, which will be open to the public and live-streamed. Each candidate will be allottee for approximately one hour, consisting of a ten-minute opening introduction. Each board member will prepare two questions and ask one primary question, with follow-up questions permitted by any board member. Each candidate will also be provided with approximately ten minutes for closing remarks.
Motion made by: Lindsey Anslem
Motion seconded by: Rhonda Dennis
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
IX. Staff Reports
1. Committee Reports
A. The Discipline Committee met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. (Ms. Jones)
The Board re- ceived a report from the Discipline Committee, which met on March 24, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. The committee reviewed and discussed proposed changes to the discipline matrix, including revisions to language clarity and adjustments to the scale of consequences for various offenses. The proposed revisions were intended to improve consistency, ensure clarity, and align with governing policies. The recommended changes were included in the materials provided to Board members.
Approval of the amended discipline matrix language and revised offense classifications was requested as presented by Ms. Jones.
Motion made by: Debra Jones
Motion seconded by: Guienzy Brent
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
B. The School Uniform Committee met on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. (Ms. LaSalle)
The Board re- ceived a report from the School Uniform Committee, which met on March 25, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Dr. Sanders presented the report on behalf of Ms. LaSalle in her absence.
The committee discussed four uniform related items:
Item 1: Uniform Skirts:
The committee reviewed the current policy regarding skirt length. No changes were recommended, and the policy remains that skirts must be no shorter than two inches above the knee. Consequences for violations will continue to be addressed by school administrators.
Item 2: Socks:
The committee discussed a proposal to allow students to wear any socks. The committee recommended maintaining the existing requirement that socks be solid white, black, brown, navy blue, or khaki. The policy was clarified to allow ankle socks, provided the socks are visible above the shoe.
Item 3: Undershirts:
The committee recommended that any long or short sleeved undershirt worn under a uniform shirt must be a designated uniform color or the school color.
Item 4: Stockings, Tights, and Leggings:
The committee recommended maintaining the current policy allowing only white, black, brown, navy blue, or khaki colored stockings, tights, and leggings.
Following discussion, Dr. Sanders recommended approval of the uniform guidelines as presented.
Motion made by: Marilyn LaSalle
Motion seconded by: Ginger Griffin
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
2. Chief Financial Officer’s Report (Mrs. Voisin)
A. Sales Tax Update
The Board re- ceived the financial report from the Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Voisin. It was re- ported that the district was eight months (8) into the fiscal year and that year to date sales tax collections from July through February were approximately $1.3 million above budget. The district collected approximately $3.6 million in February, which exceeded the monthly budget due primarily to a one-time audit collection completed by the Sales Tax Office in February 2026.
B. Financial Statements (Major Funds Only)
The Board was provided financial statements for major funds only to review at their leisure.
C. Other Significant Items
The Board was asked to confirm dates for the upcoming maintenance special project budget workshops, with the following tentative dates presented:
District 1: April 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
District 2: April 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
District 3: April 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
No additional action was requested at that time.
X. Superintendent’s Report (Dr. Sanders)
Dr. Sanders congratulated Dr. Tammy Wilson on her appointment with the Louisiana School Boards Association Board of Directors. Dr. Sanders recognized district paraprofessionals in observance of National Paraprofessionals Day and acknowledged assistant principals and deans in anticipation of National Assistant Principals Week. She reported that Human Resources is accepting applications for all positions for the 2026–2027 school year. Dr. Sanders an- nounced the up- coming NASA Astro Camps, not-ed that several district band programs qualified for state competition, and shared details regarding the upcoming Special Olympics’ event that will be held on April 17, 2026, at the Berwick High School track. She concluded her re- port by recognizing the upcoming spring break and wished everyone a very Happy Easter.
XI. Resolution of Respect (Ms. Estay)
Ms. Estay read the Resolutions of Respect for the late Michael G. Brocato, (a retired principal) and Norveline Greene (a retired school secretary).
XII. Executive Session
1. Strategy session and/or action concerning pending litigation. (Mrs. Black)
A. As authorized by La.R.S. 42:17(A)(2), there may be an executive session to discuss strategy in litigation entitled “Boudreaux, et al vs. School Board of St. Mary Parish,” bearing Civil Action No. 6:65-11351 on the docket of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Entered into the executive session.
Motion made by: Andrew Mancuso
Motion seconded by: Debra Jones
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
Returned to regular session.
Motion made by: Ginger Griffin
Motion seconded by: Andrew Mancuso
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
XIII. Closing - Adjournment (Mrs. Black)
With there being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
Motion made by: Debra Jones
Motion seconded by: Andrew Mancuso
Voting results: Unanimously Ap- proved
RESOLUTION
IN MEMORIAM OF
Michael G. Brocato
WHEREAS, Al- mighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken from our midst Michael G. Brocato, and
WHEREAS, his untimely death has deprived the St. Mary Parish School System of a retired principal and a fine citizen;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- SOLVED that the St. Mary Parish School Board and the people attending this Board meeting, rise and bow our heads in silent prayer out of respect for the late Michael G. Brocato, and extend to his bereaved family our sincere condolences in this, their hour of sorrow; and in these inadequate words, endeavor to express the high regard in which we held him in life and honor his memory in death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV- ED that a copy of this resolution be inscribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to the be- reaved family of Michael G. Brocato, and that this meeting adjourns out of respect for him.
This Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 2nd of April, 2026.
(S) Alaina L. Black
ALAINA L. BLACK,
PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
(S) Rachael C. Sanders Ed.D.
RACHAEL C. SANDERS, Ed. D.,
INTERIM SECRETARY
RESOLUTION
IN MEMORIAM OF
Norveline Greene
WHEREAS, Al- mighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken from our midst Norveline Greene, and
WHEREAS, her untimely death has deprived the St. Mary Parish School System of a retired school secretary and a fine citizen;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- SOLVED that the St. Mary Parish School Board and the people attending this Board meeting, rise and bow our heads in silent prayer out of respect for the late Norveline Greene, and ex- tend to her be- reaved family our sincere condolences in this, their hour of sorrow; and in these inadequate words, en- deavor to express the high regard in which we held her in life and honor her memory in death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that a copy of this resolution be inscribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to the be- reaved family of Norveline Greene, and that this meeting ad- journs out of re- spect for her.
This Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 2nd of April, 2026.
(S) Alaina L. Black
ALAINA L. BLACK,
PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
(S) Rachael C. Sanders Ed.D.
RACHAEL C. SANDERS, Ed. D.,
INTERIM SECRETARY
Adv. May 13, 2026