Ascension Parish school leaders address proposed changes to school zones

ASCENSION PARISH, La. (BRPROUD) – Ascension Parish school leaders held the first of three public meetings about the proposed new school zones on Monday night.

Prairieville High School is the first high school to be built in the parish over the past 20 years. Administrators said changes for the proposed school zones are necessary for the new school to open next fall. The three new school zones will create a high school feeder system.

The changes will affect all grade levels throughout the parish. For more details about the proposed attendance zones, click here.

Residents and parents were able to speak with school board administrators on Monday night.

“Our community is such a great partner, I mean, they are the reason that we can build schools,” said Ascension Parish Schools Superintendent David Alexander. “Coming together with us to help us look at plans and help us to see different pieces that we haven’t seen yet is huge.”

Several parents during the meeting voiced concerns about transportation, sports scholarships and more.

Lendrick Smith has kids in middle school looking ahead to high school.

“Well, I’m just interested in seeing how it’s going to affect bussing and everything just wanna know how it’s going to affect their classes,” said Smith,

Donnice Butlet has two kids, one in fifth grade and another going into eighth grade. Her daughter wants to attend the new Prairieville High School. Butlet is concerned about moving before they finalize plans.

“If anything change and I make a move,” said Butlet, “it’s possible, I may move again outside of the zones.”

Residents can provide feedback on the proposed plans here.

Ascension Parish Zoning Public Meetings Schedule:

• 6 p..m. Tuesday, June 13 at East Ascension High School Cafetorium
• 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 14 at Dutchtown High School Cafetorium

The superintendent said the goal is to have the zones finalized by this fall.