School board meets Thursday

CENTERVILLE — The St. Mary Parish School Board will meet in special session to address budget cuts for the 2016-17 fiscal year at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Central Office Complex. A public hearing for comments begins at 6 p.m.

The board will vote on seven agenda items. In addition, other business is allowed for discussion by Act 131.

—Elimination of the District Attorney Early Intervention Program.

—Modification of the virtual school program.

—Consolidation of the In-School Suspension program sites in District 1.

—Upcoming district maintenance special projects meetings.

—The school consolidation plan in District 1.

—The school consolidation plan in District 3.

—Authorizing superintendent to negotiate with Michael Hefner of Geographic Planning & Demographic Services for the purpose of redrawing attendance zones in any possible impacted area, if necessary.

The school consolidation plan for District 1 is closing J.A. Hernandez School. If Hernandez is closed, students will be sent to W.P . Foster and LaGrange elementary schools.

The school consolidation plan for District 3 is closing M.D. Shannon Elementary. If Shannon is closed, students will be sent to M.E. Norman and Wyandotte elementary schools.

Members of the public seeking to speak at the hearing must contact the Central Office Complex to complete a “request to address the Board” form prior to the public hearing.

Request forms can be completed over the phone by calling 337-836-6004 or 836-9661.

Speakers are required to adhere to a three minute time limit. It will be strictly enforced.