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Superintendent Ed Cancienne presented an upcoming election for a bond proposition and tax rededication for the St. James Parish Public School system to the River Region Chamber Public Policy Committee on April 13, 2021.

Currently, residents and businesses pay a 10-mill property tax levied to pay debt service on bonds issued to build and renovate school facilities. There are two propositions being voted on:

Proposition 1 authorizes a refinancing of the existing bonds to reduce the 10 mills to 6.6 mills, which will result in a savings of 3.4 mills.

Proposition 2 authorizes the 3.4 mills saved because of Proposition 1 to be levied instead to provide additional support to schools that is needed now.

We understand that the above stated must pass collectively, rather than one pass and not the other. While any cuts to educational systems are devastating, we certainly want to see St. James School system thrive through these times and maintain the level of quality committed to the students.

The River Region Chamber of Commerce has reviewed the proposition and are in support of the above listed propositions.

The Chamber supports the initiatives made by our local governments to act responsibly to ensure business sustainability and a high quality of life for its residents as they use efficient operations to make proactive progress. The River Region Chamber is a non-profit organization with a mission to “Grow, Strengthen and Unify Businesses in the River Region”.

Visit www.riverregionchamber.org to learn more.