Mandeville student named Louisiana student representative to BESE; board highlights crossing guards, motor-crawl and registration dates

The St. Tammany Parish School Board on Feb. 13 recognized Baysha Lipps Morgan, a junior at Mandeville High School, as the state student representative to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). The student was introduced during the superintendent—s update and will serve a one-year term running March to March; her first BESE meeting is scheduled March 11, when she will be formally inducted.

Baysha told the board she was chosen through the Louisiana Association of Student Councils process, which included an essay, recommendations, transcripts and an interview at the statewide convention. She said she will serve on BESE—s academic goals and instructional improvements committee and will attend BESE meetings in Baton Rouge and other Department of Education sessions.

Board members praised Baysha—s selection and encouraged her to follow legislation through the process. Board Member Baker said, "I'm very proud of you," and Board Member Gallagher and others noted the honor for Mandeville High and the parish.

The superintendent also used his update to highlight several district programs and reminders:

- Crossing guards: The board viewed a short presentation recognizing crossing guards for daily student safety and announced a partnership with a local Safe Pathways-to-School task force. The district encouraged the community to participate in "Wear Yellow Day" on Feb. 26 in memory of Emma Belle Savoy, who was killed in a traffic incident; the task force and state senator have collaborated on safety improvements.

- Motor-crawl and Mardi Gras activities: District staff described a week of events that gave students with significant support needs opportunities to participate in community Mardi Gras events, including parades led by local Mardi Gras crews and special activities organized by the district—s APE (adaptive physical education) department.

- Pre-K and new-student registration windows: The superintendent announced the pre-K application opens Feb. 18 at 5 a.m. (pre-K is separate from K'0), and new student (K'0 through 12) registration windows for students not currently enrolled will run March 10

May 15 (first window) and reopen July 24 (online) with in-person registration July 29

30. Registrars will follow up with families who submit incomplete or incorrect documentation.

Board members and the superintendent encouraged community recognition of student achievements, including marching band and athlete honors, and thanked staff and volunteers who support safety and special events.

The board then moved into routine business and later executive session.