By Richard Meek
Contributing Writer

RESERVE – St. John the Baptist Parish students will spend an extra five minutes a day in the classroom beginning Jan. 14 to make up for time lost during Hurricane Isaac.

Heidi Trosclair informed school board members of the new schedule Thursday night. She said the district will immediately begin to inform parents of the change so they can arrange for transportation and other logistical needs.

Also, the platoon system at the relocated East St. John High School will be discontinued Jan. 14. It is expected the portable buildings brought in at the old Leon Godchaux Junior High School, which is being used as a temporary facility for East St. John, will be ready by then.

A source confirmed that the buildings are in place and ramps erected. All that remains are electrical and plumbing work, which should be completed by Jan. 14.

Board member Albert Burl III expressed dismay about the constant juggling of the schedule in the aftermath of Isaac, but Trosclair said the one presented Thursday night was final. Trosclair said there were several factors involved when trying to determine how best to make up the time lost during Isaac.