School board to sue students’ parents

The Lafourche Parish School Board authorized its attorney to file a lawsuit against the parents of three Central Lafourche High School students who were arrested one day after they allegedly phoned a bomb threat.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies apprehended Sterling Poindexter, Devonte Triggs and Jeremy Robinson Nov. 17, one day after 1,300 students and 120 faculty were evacuated to the Central Lafourche football stadium for nearly 4 hours.

“Over the past week, we had kids do things they think are absolutely hilarious,” Superintendent Jo Ann Matthews said at the Dec. 1 school board meeting. “We will not tolerate – and I’m asking the board not to tolerate – when students do these things in our school system.”

The board voted unanimously to authorize its attorney to proceed with filing the lawsuit in this case as well as in similar cases involving student-caused damages. The lawsuit is based on Louisiana Civil Code article 2315, which determines liability for acts causing damage.

Unclassified employees, such as janitors and receptionists, had to be compensated for the additional time they stayed on campus.

Matthews said the district is in “financial distress” and to allow children to cost the district money “cannot occur.” She relayed a message she gave her 8th-grade son.

“I have a responsibility to make sure you do the right thing,” Matthews said she told him. “I’m going to send that message to every parent and child in this system.”

* Rodrigue, Callais say goodbye; Thibodaux steps down

The meeting marked the end for four board members; their elected replacements will sit for the first time Jan. 12, 2011.

G.A. Rodrigue did not run for a fourth term and has said it is because he believes in term limits. He said he has no concerns about the future of the school board, which is why his decision to leave was so easy.

“We went through tough times and made tough decisions, but somehow, someway we always did it with some dignity,” said Rodrigue, who also praised the work of the central office employees.

“This is no smoke,” he said. “You are always so prepared. Day in and day out, y’all have impressed me.”

Jon Callais was emotional in reminiscing in his eight-year run on the school board and said the board needs to work toward accomplishing one overarching goal.

“We need to change the attitude and perception that public education is inferior to any other education,” Callais said. “Everyone has to help make that change. We are not inferior.”

Callais went on to thank the district, board members and central staff.

“You’ve all made a difference in me,” he said while fighting back tears.

Ann Sanamo was elected to replace Callais as the District 12 representative. Sanamo said she is more excited than nervous and wants to “keep the board flowing like it is” in regards to the cohesiveness and strategy she has seen while attending each committee and board meeting this year.

Outgoing members Roy Landry and Robert Naquin were absent from their final meeting.

Louis Thibodaux, board president, announced that he would not accept the position for a seventh year in 2011.

“I would like to thank the board for allowing me to do this for six years,” Thibodaux said. “But six years is enough.”

Matthews thanked him for his guidance and experience in leading the school board.

“We will continue to depend on you,” she said.