AMY SZPARA

RESERVE – New St. John the Baptist Parish School Superintendent Michael K. Coburn may soon be cruising in style, as a month into his administration, the St. John Parish School Board approved accepting bids to purchase him a new vehicle. In the past, when a new superintendent took office, the board usually bought the person a new vehicle. It is estimated the type of transportation Coburn is looking into will cost around $23,000. “We’re in the process of speaking with local companies to see what kind of vehicle we can secure,” said Coburn, who added the sedan he now drives has around 44,000 miles. His plan is to give that vehicle to East St. John High School to keep on campus, because the Dodge Neon they now use is too small for some of the larger students to get into. The Neon could then be used by directors in the school system. Coburn is looking for a Chevrolet Tahoe, a sport utility vehicle that raised a few questions from board members. Board Member Russ Wise asked why he chose an SUV, which would be more expensive, guzzle gas and be less environmentally friendly because of emissions. Adding that he is not a “tree-hugger,” but is concerned as to why the superintendent would choose a vehicle that might be more hazardous to the air, Wise questioned the decision briefly. According to Coburn, the vehicle will be “more professional,” look “classier” and step up the image of the parish. He assured Wise that nothing guzzles more gas than the sedan now used by the superintendent. He is looking at a 2001, not a 2002, and due to many trips he and others in the school system have to make on school business, the larger vehicle would be roomier and more comfortable. According to some board members, purchasing a vehicle on the state contract would be less costly, but Chevrolets are not listed. According to Coburn, only Dodge and Ford vehicles are on that list. In neighboring St. Charles Parish Superintendent Dr. Rodney Lafon does not receive a vehicle from the School Board, but according to officials he is reimbursed for mileage while using his personal vehicle. Lafon is given $10,000 a year, in addition to his $94,710 salary, for mileage reimbursement. With only a few questions and a short discussion about Coburn’s choice in vehicles, the board authorized the administration to accept bids on the new vehicle, and Coburn, whose annual salary is approximately $92,000, will soon be supplied with a new board-owned vehicle he believes will be more efficient than what is now used.