By CALEB FREY

Staff Reporter 

RESERVE – A scheduled discussion of the issue of sales tax collection was pulled from the St. John Parish School Board meeting agenda Thursday night at Godchaux Elementary, according to School Board President Gerald Keller.

&#8220It’s a public contract and it must be discussed publicly,” Keller said. &#8220We’re going to have to discuss it at a later date.”

The St. John School Board had privatized its tax collection in 2004 by hiring Assured Compliance Inc. of LaPlace.

This did away with the three-man collection team that was in place which included St. John Councilman Lester Rainey according to school board officials.

ACI’s contract will expire in June.

Two educators were recognized during the meeting for their outstanding achievements in the field of education.

Kelly Educational Staffing, who provides substitutes for St. John Parish schools, recognized Gwendolyn Caesar, of Lake Pontchartrain Elementary, as Substitute Teacher of the Semester for the state of Louisiana during the first semester of the 2005-2006 school year.

&#8220Mrs. Caesar’s work ethic and commitment to this school has been very important to Lake Pontchartrain elementary and the success of our students,” said Principal Patricia Triche.

&#8220Her classroom management is superb, and whenever she I ask for extra help, she is always willing to give of herself. The greatest asset Mrs. Caesar brings, however, is the peace of mind I have knowing she is in the classroom.”

Caesar will also receive gift certificates and is eligible for the Kelly Services national Substitute Teacher of the Year honor.

School Board Superintendent Michael Coburn was also honored by the School Board for being named Renaissance National Educator of the Year.

The award will be presented at this year’s National Renaissance Conference in Nashville, Tenn. on Feb 9-12.