By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Next week the St. James Parish School Board and district administration will leave the comfortable environs of the parish and head to New Orleans for a three-day retreat.

The retreat, which will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans Tuesday through Thursday, will mix both actionable items and educational sessions and will give those in attendance a chance to discuss matters in more detail than they can in a regular school board meeting setting.

One of the items on the agenda is the possible formation of a magnet program at Gramercy Elementary.

The district had devised the plan to combat a trend at the school toward a one-race student population. When the item was brought before the board at the last meeting of 2011, however, board member Patricia Schexnayder objected to its apparent bias toward east bank residents. The item was subsequently tabled so it could be further discussed at the retreat. It will once again be brought before the board for approval Tuesday morning.

Tuesday’s agenda also features a discussion of the district’s financial situation and a number of construction-related items, such as the acquisition of land for the possible relocation of St. James High School.

Tuesday will also encompass the first regular board meeting of the year, which will take place at 2:15 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel.

Wednesday and Thursday will focus more on educational and informational items.

On Wednesday, some of the highlights include motivational programs led by Superintendent Alonzo Luce, a discussion of the district’s literacy programs led by Director of Curriculum Anne Detillier and a leadership development session led by Board President Charles Nailor.

On Thursday, Nailor will lead another session on transparency regarding district operations.

The retreat will conclude Thursday afternoon.