By MICHAEL COBURN

On July 20, the voters of St. John the Baptist Parish spoke loud and clear about their intentions for our public school system. They voted in favor of a proposal to allow the school system to restructure all elementary schools on the East Bank to K-8 grade schools.

The vote will allow the school system to borrow the necessary funds to begin a reconfiguration plan to allow seventh-graders and eighth-graders to remain on their elementary campuses. We anticipate spending nearly $5 million to make the necessary renovations and additions to meet this plan.

The favorable vote was more than approval for money to provide brick and mortar. It was a positive indication of this parish’s desire to make a positive difference in the lives of our children!

The K-8 plan is aimed at eliminating transition problems created during the move of students from one campus to another during this crucial time period, thereby improving student enrollment in the St. John the Baptist Parish public schools. Research also shows that K-8 schools can improve student enrollment in the St. John the Baptist Parish public schools. Moreover, K-8 schools tend to enjoy higher student standardized test scores, are able to recruit and retain certified teachers, provide better service delivery to special needs students and have greater parental involvement.

But probably the most important element of the implementation of K-8 proposal can’t be measured on paper, but in attitude!

Thanks to the community support we have received over the last few months and as indicated at the ballots, our teachers, administrators and students have enjoyed a resurgence of pride in the St. John the Baptist Parish public school system and in their individual schools.

And it doesn’t take research or statistics to know that a good attitude contributes to many things that are good!

Thanks for your support of our work at St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools. We are making real changes that will make a real difference. And that’s something we can all be proud of!

MICHAEL COBURN is Superintendent of St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools.