Community was the theme as St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District administrators and School Board members hosted a Pastoral Luncheon Meeting this month, part of ongoing outreach efforts to keep the community informed.

The school district plans to regularly hold the meetings going forward with the religious community.

Erica Merrick, coordinator of federal and state programs, shared an update on the Assistance for Single Parents program the district is sponsoring.

Seventeen parents attended the first meeting, along with 26 children. The next meeting will feature presenters who have successfully navigated life as a single parent.

The group’s goal is to offer support and resources to single parents in the community. Several churches have also donated to the program.

“We do more than just teach kids during the day,” Superintendent Kevin George said. “Anything we can do to reach the community we do it.”

Assessor Lucien Gauff, who also attended the meeting, praised the district for its open-door policy.

“One thing we do have here and he (superintendent) has implemented is an open-door policy,” he said. “I’ve gone to many schools and have seen what they’re doing and been welcomed in and taken around.”

George invited the pastors to stop by any school to take a tour and learn more.