By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, with the aid of consulting firm CSRS, will hold a job fair Wednesday, July 7, from 6-8 p.m. at the Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria located at 118 W. 10th St. in Reserve.

Although hosting a job fair lies somewhat outside of the company’s usual duties, CSRS agreed to it at the urging of a number of board members, especially Russell Jack, who represents the west bank of St. John Parish.

At recent meeting, Jack has often asked about employing parish residents to do work related to the districts facilities master plan. He said he has been approached on several different occasions by west bank residents regarding such employment.

“St. John is spending the money, so I think the money needs to go back to St. John,” said Jack.

Floyd Luster of CSRS said it is the first time he has conducted a job fair, but he has high hopes for the event.

“If it goes well, we plan on doing maybe two or three a year,” he said. “It’s something we’re trying out.”

Luster said CSRS had already made an obligation with the board to host a similar event more focused on minority- and woman-owned businesses when the two groups were collaborating on the district’s master plan.

A number of architecture and engineering firms as well as construction contractors and subcontractors will be present at the job fair. They will mainly be looking for general laborers although they may also consider skilled laborers if needed. Luster also said some of the companies may be looking for people to work on projects outside of the parish.

Attendees should bring resumes to the event.

For more information contact Luster at luster@csrsonline.com or at 225-769-0546.