BY KYLE BARNETT

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – After 18 years on the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, District 5 Representative Dowie Gendron stepped down from his position this week.

Gendron’s resignation was announced at Thursday’s St. John School Board meeting.

Gendron did not attend the meeting due to illness.

“I’m sick and just can’t serve anymore,” said Gendron. “I’m more or less bedridden and homebound.”

At the end of his almost two decades of service, the 80-year-old Gendron said his biggest accomplishment maintaining insurance for the school system as Chairman of the insurance committee.

“I was proud to serve and always did my best,” said Gendron. “I am proud of everything I did.”

Gendron recommended former Board Member James Madere to take his spot for the remainder of his term set to end Dec. 31, 2010.

Madere is a former St. John school board member who served 1995 until 2001.