JEFFERSON BUSINESS COUNCIL VOTES UNANIMOUSLY TO SUPPORT RENEWAL
OF JEFFERSON PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM MILLAGE
On August 21st, at its regularly scheduled membership meeting, the membership of the Jefferson Business Council unanimously voted to support the renewal of the existing millage of seven mills which has been placed on the October 19th ballot by the Jefferson Parish Public School System. Early and absentee voting begins on October 5th and ends on October 12th.
The millage which generates about $23 million to support the daily operations of the public school system in Jefferson Parish represents about 5 percent of the district’s total general fund budget. The millage has been in place for the past twenty years and homeowners will not see an increase in their tax rate due to the millage if approved. The JBC was briefed extensively by Superintendent Meza and Board President Larry Dale before the vote.
Executive Director of the Jefferson Business Council, Tony Ligi, stated:
“Our membership is strongly supportive of the millage renewal because the current administration and a majority of the current school board have shown themselves to be good stewards of public funds by drastically decreasing administrative expenses and focusing on redirecting public funds to the classroom. This millage renewal is necessary to avoid cuts that will result in the loss of possibly 320 teaching positions resulting in increased number of students in classes and elimination of the Pre K program. With major quantifiable improvements being made in the Jefferson Parish Public School System as a result of reforms implemented by the current administration and supportive board members, residents of Jefferson Parish should continue to show support for providing a high quality education for Jefferson Parish public school students that will prepare them to be productive citizens that contribute to our economy.”
Please click here to see new report on Jefferson Parish schools: