St. John Parish school board votes to keep Fifth Ward Elementary open, orders comprehensive site plan
July 18, 2026 | St. John the Baptist Parish, School Boards, Louisiana
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The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board voted May 9 to keep Fifth Ward Elementary open for the 2024–25 school year and directed administration to develop a comprehensive plan for all district sites.
The motion, made "on the advise of legal counsel," followed an executive session called to discuss strategy in ongoing litigation (Kathy Duhon et al. v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Bd.). After reconvening in open session, the Board approved the motion by roll call: Holden, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Mitchell‑Williams, Vicknair and Wallace voted yes; Burl and Schum were absent.
The vote ended a proposal to consolidate Fifth Ward Elementary with East St. John Preparatory School at the ESJP site, a separate motion that failed for lack of a second during the same meeting. Public commenters addressed the consolidation proposal before the vote but the Board declined to act on consolidation without broader consideration.
Board members said the decision was made after counsel’s guidance and a review of the grievance and litigation materials in executive session; the Board did not announce additional closures at the meeting. The resolution directs the superintendent and staff to craft a comprehensive plan for all school sites and to return to the Board with recommendations.
The district did not provide a timeline on when the comprehensive plan will be presented. The school board adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
The motion, made "on the advise of legal counsel," followed an executive session called to discuss strategy in ongoing litigation (Kathy Duhon et al. v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Bd.). After reconvening in open session, the Board approved the motion by roll call: Holden, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Mitchell‑Williams, Vicknair and Wallace voted yes; Burl and Schum were absent.
The vote ended a proposal to consolidate Fifth Ward Elementary with East St. John Preparatory School at the ESJP site, a separate motion that failed for lack of a second during the same meeting. Public commenters addressed the consolidation proposal before the vote but the Board declined to act on consolidation without broader consideration.
Board members said the decision was made after counsel’s guidance and a review of the grievance and litigation materials in executive session; the Board did not announce additional closures at the meeting. The resolution directs the superintendent and staff to craft a comprehensive plan for all school sites and to return to the Board with recommendations.
The district did not provide a timeline on when the comprehensive plan will be presented. The school board adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
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