By KEVIN CHIRI

Editor and Publisher

LAPLACE – St. John School Superintendent Michael Coburn is like many school officials this time of year, having to face problems and at times, unhappy parents and students, when it comes time to holding graduation ceremonies at the parish schools.

One such situation arose this past week when an East St. John senior complained about not getting to march in graduation ceremonies, even though he finished his senior year of classes in the Redirection program.

Kerry Clofer was expelled from East St. John High School in February for making what was called offensive hand motions to a female student in class.

However unlike years ago when an expelled student had to lose a year of school, state laws now mandates parish schools to offer a second opportunity for students to finish the year in the Redirection program.

Clofer finished his classes with grades good enough to graduate, but then his mother Davana Tripps was unhappy to find out the St. John school system was not allowing her son to march in graduation.

&#8220It’s not fair that he can’t march,” she said. &#8220He was expelled and paid the price for that by finishing in Redirection. So now he should be able to march.”

But Tripps was apparently unaware that the St. John School Board passed a rule just over a year ago that forbids any Redirection graduates from marching in the ceremony.

Coburn said that students lose all rights in the school system when they are expelled, and don’t get them back just because they pass their classes in Redirection.

&#8220This isn’t my decision,” he said. &#8220This is a School Board policy that was passed last year. A student who is expelled does not have the same rights as students who stayed in school and obeyed all the rules. It’s that simple.”

For that matter, Coburn said he thinks parents and students should just be thankful that the school system provides such a second chance for students who have been expelled, or have gotten into other trouble.

&#8220We provide an alternative setting for the student even after they have been expelled,” he said. &#8220I guess a lot of people don’t appreciate that opportunity we give them. But as for having all the same rights as the other students, the board policy is very clear now. They are not allowed to march in graduation.”

Tripps was also puzzled why her niece was able to march in graduation in 2005 after she was expelled for a &#8220gang fight” at school.

&#8220She got into trouble and finished in Redirection, but she got to march,” she said. &#8220I don’t know why my son can’t.”

But as Coburn said, the new policy was passed after the 2005 school year and is now clear about Redirection graduates not being able to participate in graduation.