Special to
L’Observateur

LUTCHER — George Nassar Jr. has announced his candidacy for re-election to St. James Parish School Board in District 4.

“I was born and raised in Convent, attended Romeville High School and graduated from Lutcher High School,” he said. “I am married to Greta Caldarera Nassar and have three children: Ashley, Tolly and Angela. We have four wonderful grandchildren: Jana, Layla, William and Liam. I am a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Convent and serve on the Pastoral Council.”

As a member of the St. James Parish School Board, Nassar said he serves as chairman of the building committee and previously served as vice president of the Board. He is also the legislative liaison between the St. James Parish School Board and the Louisiana Legislature, working to ensure sound educational laws are passed to benefit students, faculty and staff.

“I was awarded the Louisiana School Board Association and Louisiana Department of Education’s Distinguished School Board Member Designation Certificate of Recognition for voluntarily completing and exceeding the statutory requirements for in-service training and continuing learning units each year during the 4-year term from Jan. 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2014,” he said. “Since I was elected to the school board in 1995, the board has achieved many educational milestones of which I am very proud to have been a part. We have implemented a one-to-one laptop initiative, a Dual Enrollment program for high school students, a prestigious Science and Math Academy, a Gifted and Talented School, a highly acclaimed Virtual School and a state-of-the art Career and Technology Center, at which our students are able to earn industrial-based certification while in high school.”

Employed for 34 years by Occidental Chemical in Convent, Nassar said he works closely with Oxy Chem, other parish industries and the nonprofit, Next 25, to complement the Jump Start Program implemented in both high schools to help students acquire the necessary skills to enter the work force upon graduation.

“In addition to the academic, athletic and capital improvements, the board has also been fiscally responsible and instrumental in cutting tax millage for homeowners, small businesses and industry for six consecutive years,” he said. “While state funding for the St. James Parish schools has continually declined, we have maintained competitive salaries and benefits for all school employees.”