Board enters executive session on Section 16 lease litigation, approves moving forward with "option A"

The St. Mary Parish School Board voted to enter an executive session under Louisiana Revised Statute 42:17(A)(2) to discuss prospective litigation concerning a tract of 16th Section land leased by Morgan City, Stivadores LLC and Lee Babin. The motion to enter executive session was made by Mr. Mancuso and seconded by Miss Jones; the board approved by voice vote.

After returning to open session, the board considered the wishes of the board regarding the litigation matter and "Mr. Parity makes a motion to move forward with option A," a board member said. The motion to proceed with option A was seconded (second not specified in the public record) and the board approved the motion by voice vote.

Meeting remarks did not disclose details of what "option A" entails. The board cited La. Rev. Stat. 42:17(A)(2) as the legal authority for the executive session, which permits discussion of prospective litigation. No additional specifics about the litigation strategy, timelines, or next legal steps were stated in open session. The board then adjourned.

Because the board discussed prospective litigation in executive session, members provided only a public motion and vote on the direction to proceed; the substantive legal materials and advice were not read into the public record during open session.