The Evangeline Parish School Board held its bi-monthly meeting tonight in the Media Center at Ville Platte High School. 

An important discussion was had regarding HB 177 that was passed through committee today in Baton Rouge.  If passed, the Bill would eliminate any governmental agency from collecting inventory taxes as they have in the past.  There was much discussion on how devastating this would be to many different entities as in school boards, maintenance funds, athletic funds, etc.   Board President, Wayne Dardeau, said he spoke to Representative Eric Lafleur, who is on the Executive Finance Committee, and he indicated he was for the Bill; however, stated that he said there should be an amendment where the lost money would have to be recouped by another means.  The question was asked “Where is that money going to come from?”  The general response was “There is no-where for it to come from.”  Several members of the Board questioned as to why Rep. Lafleur is in favor of such a Bill.  The Bill will go to the floor for debate on April 27^th.  President Dardeau stated that Rep. Lafleur also said that he was not sure if the Bill could be passed without a Constitutional Amendment.

The Evangeline Sales Tax Comparison for the month of March was $528,417.92 and that is down $11,842.01 down from this time last year.

Keith Fontenot, Tina Guillory and Todd Fontenot presented the Board with a 4-H report that included information on some of the various programs offered to students, farmers, and homeowners.  It was noted that, due to the recent weather, they have fielded a variety of different phone calls regarding everything from bees, ants, various other insects and other issues with what the vast amount of rain brought with it.  Board President, Wayne Dardeau thanked all three of them for their continued efforts and assistance to the students and people in the parish.

On Wednesday, April 29^th, there will be an Executive Committee Meeting to discuss various subjects including the “Jumpstart” program and salary issues.  Principles from area schools will be in attendance.

The next School Board Meeting will be held on May 7^th instead of May 6^th.