By JESSICA DAIGLE

Staff Reporter

RESERVE — In an effort to improve by completely refiguring, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board voted unanimously to change the name and mascot of the Glade School in LaPlace.

Starting the 2005-2006 school year, “The Glade,” as it is commonly called, will be given the name of Lake Ponchatrain Elementary, and have a pelican mascot. Faculty and staff of the Glade School voted on a list of suggestions.

Board Member Matthew Ory, who motioned to pass the changes, said the school district changed the name to get a fresh start, picking Lake Ponchatrain Elementary because it is almost on the lake and no other school in the state is named that.

After some public urging to pick out new colors quickly to allow parents to buy new uniforms over the summer, Patricia Triche, who is set to become principal to the school next year, said she will get suggestions from teachers, students and parents.

The school board also said they will phase in the new uniforms over the year, in order to assist those parents who cannot immediately afford them.

Other mascot suggestions that did not pass were tigers and stallions. According to a copy of a ballot given out at Thursday night’s meeting, it appears that “LaPlace Academy of Learning” was the top choice among Glade faculty and staff.

Triche also said she will call uniform stores to ask them to hold off the sale of Glade School uniforms.