By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LUTCHER – If there is one message St. James Parish Public Schools Superintendent Alonzo Luce wants to make clear to voters for the April 2 election, it is this: “We are not asking for any tax increases.”

Three millage renewals will be on Saturday’s ballot. The millages help fund both general facility upkeep and salaries and benefits for district employees.

Luce stressed that if these millages are not renewed, the likely result will be a reduction in workforce.

Budget constraints will likely mean no increase in MFP funding, and the district’s responsibility for the retirement fund is expected to increase about $1 million for the next fiscal year.

School Board President Charles Nailor said if the millage renewals fail to pass, “in the long run it’s going to affect all of us.”

Added Luce, “This community has always supported the public school system when there is a need, and this is definitely a need.”

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, adult education teacher Bonnie Kern gave a short presentation on the state of adult education in the parish.

Following last year’s legislative session, adult education now falls under the Louisiana Community and Technical College System instead of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

“They want the GED to be a bridge to further education,” Kern said.

There are presently 70 students in the parish’s adult education program. To date, eight have earned their GEDs this year, up from six in 2009-10 and one the year before that.

“Hopefully, you’ll spread the word about adult education, and we’ll continue to expand,” said Kern.

Lastly, the School Board commended two of its high school teams for recent accomplishments. Resolutions honoring the St. James High School girls basketball team, which recently took home the state title, and the Lutcher High School Periquette Dance Team, which won the 2011 Division I National Jazz Championship, were read and quickly approved.

Coaches and members of the SJHS girls basketball team were present for the accolades.

“The hustle and commitment, those are the kinds of things that made me proud,” said Luce, who attended the title game in Hammond. “I appreciate the effort in what you do.”

Coach Justin Adams was clearly proud of his team’s accomplishment.

“Doing things like this shows that hard work pays off,” he said.