LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / December 18, 1999

LULING – The group health insurance proposal for St. Charles ParishSchools employees was extended to the end of February.

the School Board agreed to the extension over one board member’s objection.

Mary Bergeron of Luling said United HealthCare has attempted to dictate terms on how it will work with Ochsner, saying either they wanted all the business or none.

Bergeron commented, “I have serious concerns about a company that will say that.”An employee survey determined that 60.7 percent of the vote supportedUnited HealthCare, while Ochsner/Aetna received 38.5 percent. Bergeronsaid with one company receiving all the business, there is no incentive to provide quality service.

“The plans are vastly different,” Bergeron commented, citing her personal experience with both.

“Since the board selects the carrier, we have to get the best bang for the buck,” board member John Smith responded.

In another matter, a presentation from South Central Planning regarding school populations as it relates to facilities was rescheduled, while the group generates more acceptable estimates. At a presentation to boardmembers prior to the regular board meeting, it was determined certain variable estimates could be better fine-tuned prior to a public presentation.

Kevin Belanger, chief executive officer for South Central Planning, said he would return to the next meeting with an improved presentation.

The board also selected Cleveland “Sonny” Savoie as its 2000 president and Steve Crovetto of Luling as vice-president.

In an emotional farewell, outgoing president Ronald St. Pierre commentedon his 25 years on the board, five as president, working with seven superintendents.

Supt. Dr. Rodney Lafon reminded the public that the 25 various holidayprograms presented in the schools will also be aired on their cable access channel 8 throughout the holiday season.

The holiday break begins Monday and students return on Jan. 4, withclasses resuming the following day.

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