Committee backs three-year extension of internship agreement with Terrebonne General

The Terrebonne Parish School District Education and Policy Committee recommended on June 23 that the board approve a three-year extension (2026–2029) of a cooperative endeavor agreement that formalizes internship placements between the district and Terrebonne General Health System.

Chair introduced the item and called for discussion before the committee advanced the recommendation. According to the presentation, the program began as a one-year pilot at a single high school in which students worked at Terrebonne General learning front-of-house responsibilities such as bussing and cleaning tables and setting up service lines. The presenter said the pilot met its goals and organizers now seek to expand placements and identify additional partners, noting similar work with Terrebonne Arc.

Joanna Livingston, talent acquisition manager at Terrebonne General Health System, thanked the district for the partnership and said the system “really enjoyed having the students” this past school year. Asked whether the placements could lead to permanent jobs, Livingston said, “It could. . . . If they enjoyed some of the areas that they worked in and we had those opportunities then yes that is possible.”

Board members praised the long-term orientation of the agreement and its potential to support students’ transition into work. One member emphasized inclusion for students with special needs and thanked program staff for efforts to make placements accessible.

The committee called for the motion and indicated no opposition; the item was advanced with the committee recording that the motion passed.

Next steps recorded in the meeting were to present the committee recommendation to the full board and to authorize the superintendent to sign all necessary documents to extend the agreement.