By DONNA JACOB

Staff Reporter

RESERVE – The issue of the disciplinary committee’s recommendation for student assigned coveralls was a controversial issue at the St. John School Board meeting held Thursday night in Reserve.

A few members of the board, along with a couple of audience members, spoke out in opposition of the idea, saying it would make students look like prison inmates.

The board agreed to approve the disciplinary committee’s Student Code of Conduct and Attendance Regulations Handbook with the exception of the coveralls idea.

It was agreed to further discuss the issue at meeting to be held at the St. John Parish School Board June 21 at 4 p.m. before the next school board meeting.

Another item on the board’s agenda was a one-time adjustment to the salary schedule for all school board employees. The board approved the $500 adjustment for its employees.

The board also approved raising school meal prices by 25 cents for the 2007-08 school year. This is the first price increase to go into effect within the past 10 years.

In other business and finance news, East St. John High School was granted a request to refurbish its lockers and a recommendation was made to accept bids for the new elementary school. All bids on the agenda were approved, including retaining L’Observateur newspaper as its official journal.

Discussion was held on the crisis and evacuation plan. Board member Clarence Triche raised concerns about a possible lack of school buses needed to effectively evacuate students in the event of a disaster.

Board member Keith Jones recommended naming and dedicating the new elementary school in memory of Emily C. Watkins, a local educator and principal who was also very active in promoting the community.

The new school will be built on the site of the Elvina Plantation in LaPlace.

The next regular school board meeting is planned for June 21 at 6 p.m. at the Godchaux Grammar School Cafeteria, 1600 Hwy. 44 in Reserve.