SCHOOL YEAR DONE

Governor John Bel Edwards on Monday ordered all public schools to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Louisiana Association of School Superintendents last week had asked the governor to consider such action.
Edwards has said students will not have to make up the missed time, which will amount to 46 days of the 175-day school year for most St. Martin Parish students. That’s a little more than one-fourth of the instructional year.
State and parish school leaders will now have to determine just how to address the lost instructional material.
St. Martin Superintendent Allen Blanchard Jr. said Monday that he and his staff will begin the process of determining promotion for seniors, whose graduation date was originally set for May 15.
“Those not being promoted will be given the opportunity to do additional work to graduate,” Blanchard said Monday. “The state has waived all end of course requirements for seniors. We plan to have graduation ceremonies once restrictions are lifted.”

Board Meeting
The school board, which had cancelled its regular monthly meeting of April 1, has scheduled an “online” meeting for this afternoon (Wednesday) at 4 p.m.
“This will be our first electronic meeting as a board and most board members will join the meeting electronically,” Blanchard explained.
The link for public comments is www.saintmartinschools.org. Public comments will be accepted until 3 p.m., and will be restricted to agenda items only.
The agenda includes:
•Consider/recommend action with regard to insurance proposal submitted by Brown and Brown of Louisiana LLC, including general liability, property, flood, etc.
•Consider/approve awarding substantial completion for the Early Learning Center kitchen.
•Consider/approve the extension of bond project management services with Poche Prouet Associates LLC from April 10 through June 30.
The meeting also provides for the addition of agenda items if approved by all members.