School board rejects motion to start redistricting process ahead of 2026 election

A motion to direct administration to seek proposals to initiate the redistricting process for St. John the Baptist Parish school board member districts failed on a 7–4 vote at the board’s April 10 meeting.

The motion, moved by Frizzell and seconded by Vicknair, sought proposals in preparation for the 2026 election. Roll call recorded four yeas — Holden, Frizzell, Vicknair and President Debra Schum — and seven nays — Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Mamou, Wallace and Mitchell-Williams. The motion therefore did not pass.

Why it matters: Redistricting would change district boundaries that determine which voters elect particular board members; initiating a proposal process would have set the district on a path for mapping and public outreach ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Board members who voted against the motion outnumbered supporters, halting the process for now.

What’s next: The issue may return in future agenda cycles if a member reintroduces it or if the board decides by motion to seek proposals later. The meeting minutes do not include extended debate or additional public testimony recorded on this item.