The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board on Thursday formally canvassed and declared carried a Nov. 13 special election renewing a special tax of 3.47 mills, which the resolution says is intended to provide additional funds for salaries and fringe benefits for school system employees.
Attorney Jason Akers of Foley & Judell, LLP presented the certified tabulation and the resolution. According to the canvass the Board adopted, there were 1,652 votes cast in favor of the millage renewal and 928 votes cast against it, yielding a margin of 724 votes in favor. The renewal is described in the resolution as a 10‑year levy estimated to generate about $2,665,700 annually and slated to begin with year 2022 and end in 2031.
Why it matters: The renewal preserves a funding stream the district says will be used for employee salaries and benefits and is subject to the restrictions specified in the resolution (the wording specifies the funds are for employees “but not to supplant current revenues being expended for all employee salaries and benefits”).
Board action and comments: The Board moved to adopt the canvass resolution in open session after the certified returns were presented. Nia Mitchell‑Williams, the Board president, attested to the Proces Verbal. Akers told the Board that precinct‑level results are available through the Secretary of State’s voter portal.
Context and next steps: The resolution directs that the canvass be promulgated and published as required by law and that certified copies of the Proces Verbal be forwarded to the Secretary of State and Clerk of Court. The notice attached to the canvass reminds voters that a portion of proceeds may be remitted to state retirement systems as required by law.
Public record: The Board’s official resolution and Proces Verbal record the vote totals and state that the Proposition was carried by a majority of votes cast. Detailed precinct results are available from the Secretary of State (voterportal.sos.la.gov).