Next Saturday, Oct. 2, the voters of St. John are asked to approve two propositions on the ballot. The propositions will not increase taxes. Both are renewals of existing millages to fund employee health benefits and salaries.

In the past six years, the School Board has lowered its millage from 46.40 mills to this year’s 39.31 mills. This reduction will save taxpayers $2,300,000 this year.

Our millage is the lowest in the region. St. Tammany ranks highest with 77.84 mills.

Under the direction of Superintendent Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., and with the cooperation of the School Board, the hard work

of the employees and the students’ will to achieve, remarkable

gains have been made.

This year:

• No school in St. John is considered “Academically Unacceptable.”

• East St. John High School, the last St. John

Parish school on this list, was removed from the list this past summer.

• ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: John L. Ory Communication Arts Magnet School is the only 4-Star school in the surrounding area (south and east of the lake).

I’m excited about the direction the school system is headed. Last year, more students in the fourth and eighth grades passed the LEAP test than ever before.

Academic success has a positive impact on graduation rates, which then have a positive impact on employment and economic indicators.

Healthy public schools will benefit all the citizens in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Also on the ballot next week will be candidates seeking election to our School Board. I urge you to

exercise your right to vote and select the people who you feel will continue to improve our public schools.

What a better way to thank the men and women who have fought and are now fighting for our freedom than to participate in the emocratic process.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.