Board rejects closure of Connections program and does not approve Redirection redesign

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board on July 8 debated two related student-program items but recorded no approvals.

Dr. Lynett Hookfin proposed closing the Connections Program. Public commenter Shondrell Perrilloux urged the Board not to close the program, calling it a disservice to students, particularly after the district moved to authorize a large loan earlier in the meeting. The motion to close the Connections Program was recorded as 4 yeas, 4 nays and 1 abstention (Jones); the motion failed.

Later the superintendent requested approval to redesign the Redirection Program, saying the redesign would focus on strengthening students’ academic progress, include tracking student performance, and report progress at each Board meeting. The Board debated the proposal; the motion to give administration approval to redesign the Redirection Program was recorded as 5 yeas, 3 nays, and 3 absent, and the transcript notes the motion failed.

President Nia Mitchell left the meeting at 6:56 p.m.; Vice-President Wallace chaired in her absence while the Board continued discussion.