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Jeanerette and St. Charles Elementary to see grade redistribution in fall 2018

Posted at 4:58 PM, Apr 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-19 17:58:56-04

In Iberia Parish, next school year will mean some changes for students at two elementary schools.

Wednesday night the board approved a grade redistribution at Jeanerette Elementary and St. Charles Elementary. Both were Pre-K through sixth grade, but starting next year Jeanerette Elementary will be Pre-K through second, and St. Charles will be third through sixth grades. 

Some students are apprehensive about the change, but the teachers say they are trying to keep a positive attitude. 

"We are a small school and they always know who to expect their next year for their teachers, and I think some of them are a little hesitant, but we’re encouraging them as we hear them say that," says Jeanerette third grade teacher, Melisa Jackson.

The school board decided this was the best option, based on declining student population. 

"We anticipate this to be a smooth transition. It provides a lot of wins for us because when we divide the grades like that it allows the principal and the teachers to really collaborate about that level of student work," says incoming Superintendent Carey Laviolette. 

Melisa Jackson teaches third grade at Jeanerette Elementary, meaning she’ll either switch grades or move schools before the 2018-2019 school year. Either way, she says she is not concerned. 

"Even if I don’t stay here in Jeanerette, I’m pretty sure I’m going to have a place teaching in this parish. I’m not concerned," says Jackson, who has faith in the school board and the new superintendent.

"If some do retire or some request to move, then we can just have enough place for everyone. if not, there are other positions in other schools that we would allow them to apply for," adds Laviolette.