Saint Mary Parish School Board Forms New Committee for Section 16 Land Management

A new committee focused on Section 16 land and property was approved during the St. Mary Parish Regular Board Meeting on August 14, 2025. Board member Mister Mancuso proposed the formation of this committee to address maintenance issues not currently covered by existing committees. His motion received unanimous support, highlighting the board's commitment to good governance and structured oversight.

Mancuso emphasized the need for dedicated attention to specific maintenance concerns, stating, "I am a fan of committees... it shows good governance." The board agreed to solicit volunteers for the committee, ensuring that members with relevant experience could contribute effectively.

In addition to the committee formation, the meeting featured a report from Chief Financial Officer Miss Wasang, who announced that July 2025 sales tax collections exceeded budget expectations by $89,000, totaling $2.428 million. She reminded the board of an upcoming public hearing on September 11, where they will discuss and adopt the 2025-2026 budget.

Superintendent's report highlighted a successful start to the school year, with 7,029 students enrolled, a decrease of 153 from the previous year. The introduction of a new bus routing system, Transfinder, aims to improve transportation efficiency. The board also paid tribute to several retired educators and board members, honoring their contributions to the community.

The meeting underscored the board's proactive approach to governance and community engagement, setting the stage for continued improvements in local education and infrastructure.