Assessor encourages school boardtoreconsidertax vote
BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT
Staff writer
At the Ascension Parish School Board meeting July 2, Parish Assessor M.J.
“Mert” Smiley Jr.encouraged board members to undo their decision last month to roll forward property tax rates to the voter-approved maximum rate
Sheriff warnsof phonescam
The Ascension ParishSheriff’s Office is warning residents to be aware of atelephone scam where individualsare impersonating deputies with the sheriff’s office.
One of the most recent scam calls is impersonating Sgt. Daniel Haydel and requesting cash/electronic transfer of cash payments for arrest, Sheriff Bobby Webre announced ina Facebook post.
Webre said his agency will never contact residents and request any form of cash payment from GreenDot, CashApp, Venmo or PayPal over the phone for arrestsubpoenas, warrantsortickets.
“If you receive aphone call that sounds suspicious, hang up,” the sheriff said. If youreceive such acall,you can contact his office at (225) 621-8300.
Campaign announcements
The Ascension Advocateis publishing candidate prepared announcementsfor the Nov.5 elections.
Announcementsmustinclude the candidate’sage,political party and education. All announcements must be less than 400 words and received byJuly 19.A color photo of the candidate also should be sentasa high resolution jpg attachment. The statements willberun on aspace available basis. For more information, call (225)603-1998.
Lacrosse summingcampset
the Ascension ParishPelican’sLacrosse Club is holding atraining camp for students in eighth through 12th grades. the camp is set for 5:30 p.m. to 8p.m. July 22-26 and ascrimmage from 6p.m. to 9p.m. July 27 at the Gonzales CityRoom Park, 1006, Highway 30, Gonzales. No experience necessary and equipment willbeavailable. New players are welcome Dancingfor aCause voting
Voting is underway for the Dancing for aCause star dancers The annual fundraiser forthe ArcofEast Ascension is set for 7p.m. July 13 at theREV Center at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
Celebrity star dancers are Chris Rosato, Rod Braud, Amanda Gautreau, Christian Bourgeois, Caprice Cline Chabry Marks, Falcon Mire, Elise Tureau Frederic and Kelly Mitchell.
To vote for astar dancer or purchase tickets, visit www thearcea.com.
SweetSpotCocktailTrail
The Ascension ParishTourism Commission’sSweet Spot Cocktail Trail is underway.To take part, order the “Sweet Spot Cocktail” at participating businesses through July 31,and receive astamp in your cocktail trail passport. Purchase any 10 of the cock-
ä See AROUND, page 3G
Although the board took no formal action, members questionedits impact on parish residents’ property taxes and discussed futurestepsshould theboard wish to recast avote on the matter.The board originally voted 9-0, with two absent, to roll forward property tax rates, known as millages, at its June 4meeting.
“Really,Ishouldhavebeen here the nightthaty’all voted,” Smiley said as he opened his presentation. “I did not realize, evidently,thaty’all weremeeting that night to makethis vote, but this is a very,very important vote.” Every four years, Louisianalaw requiresparish assessors to reassess property values to match themto
current market rates and local governments to reset their property tax rates to produce the same revenue as the prioryear.Whenpropertyvalueshave increased, governmentscan choose to “roll back”millagestoslightly lower levels to match the previous year or
Celebrationonthe river
BY WENDYLOUP
Contributing writer
Donaldsonville’sIndependence Day celebration included small business vendors, check presentationsfor AscensionParishprograms and organizations and afireworks display
The event, held July 3atDonaldsonville’s Crescent Park, also featured music by the Michael FosterProject andBig Frank &Lil Frank.
The “Fireworks on theRiver”celebration “goes backmany,many years as away to not conflict with Baton Rouge’sfireworks celebration,” saidMayor Leroy Sullivan.
Sullivansaid the city’s eventgenerally has around2,500 attendees and 20 vendors.
“The day meansacelebration of theindependence of the United States,” Sullivan said. “Wecelebrate that, and we all enjoy it,just like
See CELEBRATION, page 2G
Herb Plummer left,Trudie Thomas and Sharonica Gaines stand in front of Ronnie Ma’sbooth July 3during an Independence Day celebration in Donaldsonville at Crescent Park.
Crumbs,pet hair andgoo
arrayofdifferent sprays,
BYDAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer
The tools of this summer job were positioned all around recent AscensionParishhigh school graduates Kylon Hardin and Gabriel Keller as they worked at alibrary table: rags, rubbing alcohol, aplastic paint scraper anda pick, and an adhesive remover in aspraybottle called GooGone. Far from flipping burgers in a greasy kitchen or cutting grass in sweltering heat, the 18-yearoldswere in the quiet air conditioning of the St. Amant High mediacenter on arecentJune morning, participating in the tailend of acomplicated as-
semblyline spread across the parish and underway for weeks. Since late May, the teens, other workers and some contractors have been prepping or replacing morethan 25,000 student laptops and Chromebooks districtwide forthe new school year,giving them needed physical repair,digital refreshing and general TLC to makethe oldsomewhatnew againfor the fall. As Louisiana public schools have moved to one-on-one devicesfor hundredsofthousands of students, efforts similar to Ascension’sprocess
Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Smiley
STAFF PHOTO JAVIER GALLEGOS
Student workersKylon Hardin, center,and Gabriel Keller,right, chat withIT supporttechnician Nafes Furqan, far left, while cleaning computers withan
towels and tools at St.Amant High School on June 25.
PHOTOSBYWENDYLOUP Attendees ofthe annual Donaldsonville Independence Daycelebration dance to the music of Big Frank &Lil Frank on July 3at Crescent CityPark.
ä See ASSESSOR, page 2G
Juneteenth was acelebration of freedom, so is July Fourth.”
Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment, State Sen. Ed Price, State Rep. Ken Brass, as well as officials fromNicholls State University,River Parishes Community College and the River Road African American Museum were on handfor various check presentations.
According tothe city of Donaldsonville, thefollowing organizations received:
n $2 million to theDonaldsonville High School andRiver Parishes Community College workforce developmentcenter at DonaldsonvilleHigh
n $100,000 to the city of Donaldsonville for the Lemann Memorial Center improvements
n $2 million to Ascension Parish Government for the early childhood development centerin Donaldsonville, which is apartnership with Nicholls State University
n $1.5 million dedicated forthe Highway 945 St. Patrick Street overlay and drainage improvements
n $100,000 to the River Road African American Museum
Deverie Moll, of Donaldsonville, and owner of Bougee Diva, featured her line of dazzling and bejeweledbracelets,hats, shoes and other accessories.
“I cameout here last year and it was successful,” said Moll, who has owned her business for five years.
Herb Plummer,owner of Suga Plum, traveled from Belle Rose to sell his pralines. Plummer said the event was aday for the community to come together
“I like the atmosphereand wanted to sell items like myarm candies that are good conversation pieces,” Plummer said. Plummer and his mother,Sharonica Gaines,also sold Ronnie Ma’spopcorn, Plummer,34, started selling his candiesasa 16-year-old.
“It’srewardingtosee customers’ smile when they bite into what you’ve made,” Plummer added. “The wayyou make it makes it special. Youhavetobake with love.”
Volunteers of America’sbooth registered children forfreebooks
Community news report
celebration.
Volunteer of America’sTonya Harden, left, and Kylie Beard stand at their boothduringJuly3rd’sIndependence Daycelebration in Donaldsonville. Harden and Beard passed out information about theDolly Parton Imagination Library’s program offering children under the ageof five,one free book per month.
from the Dolly Parton’sImagination Library “This is aprogramthat’shelping promote children’s literacy
Twosilver Telly Awardswere earned for marketing commercials thathighlighted REV’snearly 90-year historyof localsupportthroughout its regions andspotlighted their partnership with businesses across Louisiana.
REV also won abronze Telly Awardfor the provider’sBayou Region Tailgate Show, whichfeaturedarivalmatchup between two local schools —Central LafourcheHigh Schooland South Lafourche High School.
“Every year, our leadership team isproud of the highcaliber work the marketing, production and communityrelationsteams
ASSESSOR
Continued from page1G
“roll forward” millages up to the maximum tax rate approved by voters.
Smiley,who hasencouraged many localproperty tax-collecting entities across the parishtoabstainfrom rolling forward, said not doing so would ease the burden on parish residents.
During typical reassessment years, his office changes between 10,000and 15,000 assessments, Smiley said. This year,heexpects to change 32,000assess-
with help from area businesses, suchasCFIndustries,” said Tonya Harden, VOA’s South Central Louisiana’sprogram director
produce, and this year is not any different,” said Tressy Leindecker,REV’sexecutive vice president of sales andmarketing. “This team of creativecommunicators is always up for the challenge —supplying original andinspiring contentthatnot only moved ourcompany forwardin2023but is work deserving of national attention that also created positive momentum carrying REV into 2024.” The Telly Awards were established in 1979 to honor thebestinvideoand television.This year,The Telly Awards focused on exploring new storytelling formats and emergingtechnology by introducing afew new categories including Generative AI,
ments, in part due to the 2016 floods when swathes of homes acrossthe parish took on water
“Because of the floodin ‘16, we havenot really assessed to the abilitythat we should have done,” he said.
…Someofyou in thisroom, your friends and neighbors [are] among those who can expect increases.”
Board member Marty Bourgeois of District 4A askedSmiley howmuch the millage rate would increase should the board still choose to rollthe taxes forward. Smiley said he didn’t have the number available because it depended upon
“so many variables.”
Board member Jake Lambert, District 7B, praised Smiley’swork as assessor with the parish. However, he arguedthatthe region’s rapid growth and the increase in property values are partially due to the education offered by the school system.
“Ascension Parish has continuedtogrow considerably,and we’re very blessed in that people want to move here,” he said. “…Because of this growth, we as adistrict are in apositionwhere we’re continuing to expand and invest in not only our facilities,which is certainly
performWednesdayduring
Independence Daycelebration. Big Frank &Lil Frank, along with the Michael Foster Project, provided the musical entertainment for the event.
Parton’sprogram offers one free book each month up until the age of 5. “July Fourth is atime for the
Accessibility,Brand Collaboration, Data Visualization and Explainer.The organizers say they received nearly 13,000entries from across the globe including all 50 states as well as Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The Telly Awards Judging Council consisted of 250 industry experts from companies such as Adobe, Netflixand Shutterstock. REV received two silver Telly Awards in the category of BrandedContent —Commercials for Hometown Service and REV Business Spotlight: Terrebonne Parish Communications District. Thelocal telco and broadbandprovideralsoreceiveda bronze TellyAward in theSocialVideo —Education Institution category for the REV Bayou
important, but also invest in our people.”
The region is one of the fastest growing in Louisiana, with the U.S. Census Bureau website stating the population grewbyaround 4% between 2020 and 2023.
Smiley also argued the revenuedifferencebetween the school system rolling forward or back was relatively small, stating it would receive $97.7million in revenue rolling forward and $96.6 million forrolling back.
“We’re only talking about $1,200,000. That$1,200,000 would help reducethe tax burden of …all the 32,000
community to reflect on the past and being presentinthe moment while lookingatwhere we are going in the future,” Harden said.
Region Tailgate Show: South Lafourche Tarpons vs.Central LafourcheTrojans featuring interviews with football players, coaches, cheerleaders, band members and other school-specific, student-led programs. REV’saward-winning works can be viewed by accessing the links below: n Hometown Service: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=GoK54mJrLOQ
n REVBusinessSpotlight:Terrebonne Parish Communications District: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryFFuXKG6TM n REV Tailgate Show: South Lafourche Tarpons vs. Central Lafourche Trojans: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DyKq_mQAcY
people that we have to raise theirtaxes,” he said. “…I would ask that you follow the lead of my office, which Ihavenever rolled forward since I’ve been in office, and that of the parish council.”
At its June 6meeting, the Ascension Parish Council voted 8-1, with two members absent, to not rollforward rates. The city of Gonzales and the Sheriff’s Office decided to roll forward.
The city of Donaldsonville has yet to vote, with apublic hearing scheduled at 5:30 p.m. July 9atCity Hall. After questions about the actions the board could take, Superintendent Edith
Walker said she needed to do research but knew anew resolution would have to be proposed and added to afuture meeting agenda. Holly Joffrion, interim ChiefDeputyAscension Parish Assessor,said Wednesday that the office grants extensions and gave the school board arough August deadline to make a decision. She said the Assessor’sOffice typically submits tax rolls by midSeptember.
Email Christopher Cartwright at Christopher Cartwright@TheAdvocate. com.
PHOTOSBYWENDYLOUP
Deverie Moll, owner of Bougee Diva, stands with various jewelryand accessories she made July 3during the Fireworks on the River
Big Frank &Lil Frank
Donaldsonville’s
AROUND
tails, get astamp on yourpassport andturn in your passport to receive agift and to be entered intothe grand prize giveawayvalued at over $600.All completedpassports must be turned in by July31tobeentered into the grand prize drawing. Youmust be 21 yearsof age to participate. Visit visitlasweetspot.com/ cocktailtrail for information
26th annual School ToolsDrive planned Plans are set for Volunteer Ascension’s26th School Tools Drive.
The drive collects and distributesneeded schoolsupplies for Ascension Parish students. The Corporate Challenge is underway, with supply drop offset for July 19 at Fire District 1onAirline Highway in Gonzales.
The Community Collection Day is 9a.m. to noon July 20 at 2400 S. Burnside, Gonzales. People donating supplies will beable to take part in theTouch aTruckevent, whichincludesgames andactivities.
To donate online, visit www.mightycause com/donate/Volunteer-Ascension.
For more information, visit volunteerascension.org/news/26th-annual-school-tools-drive. Found astray?Here’show youcan help Cara’sHouse animal shelter is offering anew program to help reduce its shelter population and provide care for lost or abandonedanimals The Found aStray program encourages people who find alostpet to call the shelter and posted the animal. For information, call Cara’sHouse at (225)675-0400. Cara’s House provides for all the animal’sneeds while it’s under foster care.
Lady Hawks softball tryoutsplanned
The Lady Hawks softball team is holding tryouts for its 12-year-oldand under team from 6p.m. to 8p.m. July16, July 18, July 23 and July 25 at 10414 Acy Road,Sr. Amant. To participate, players should havebeen born in 2013 or 2012. For more information, call PatrickBriodyat(225) 241-6321. ContactDarlene Denstorffbyphone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@ theadvocate.com. Deadline: 5p.m. Friday
THE ASCENSION ADVOCATE 40444 Cannon Road Gonzales,LA70737 (225) 388-0215
PUBLISHEDEVERY WEDNESDAY Onlineattheadvocate.com/ baton_rouge/news/communities/ ascension/
The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on June 27-July 3:
JUNE 27
HASTY,ANGELINA MARIA: 16352 Old Hammond Highway, No. 251, Baton Rouge; 44; simple burglary,theft $5,000 but less than $25,000
MARSHALL, CHARLES LEE: 43232 Norwood Road, 33; surety,possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), failuretoappear-bench warrant
BAKER, ANDREW G.: 36626 Plantation Blvd., Prairieville; 35; three counts fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
DOIRON, JENNIFER M.: 1349 North Tobey Ave., Gonzales; 48; simple burglary
VALENTINE, JERRYMICHAEL: 15366 La.44, Gonzales; 58; bond revocation, violations of protectiveorders
DEDON, KENNY JO: 45291 John Sheets Road, St. Amant; 43; fugitive-other state jurisdiction, probation violation YORK, SARAHLYN CORIN: 725 E. Hamilton St. Gonzales; 35; four counts failuretoappearbench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, residential contractor fraud
$5,000 to $25,000
SCOTT JR., RICHARD: 1214 Braud Road, Gonzales; 58; state probation violation, domestic abuse battery-strangulation
REYNOLDS,KENNETH LEIGH: 37346 Alice Braud Lane, Prairieville; 63; domestic abuse battery
TEEL, AUSTIN SHANE: 39120 Driftwood Lake Drive, Gonzales; 24; illegal carrying of weapons, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabis
JUNE 28
DIAZ, JOSE L.: 380 Historic Main St.,Garyville; 36; vehicle turning left at intersection, vehicular negligent injuring, reckless operation, operating while intoxicated-second RUTH, TITUS DE’SEAN: 8544 S. St. Landry Ave., No. 43, Gonzales; 33; resisting an officer, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia
ROBERTS,DASHA JANAE: 1141 Irene St., Lafayette; 21; identity theft, monetaryinstrument abuse, bank fraud, illegal transmission of monetary funds, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
MORGAN, BILLYWARD: 5580 Rush Drive,
Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com
OFFICE:(225) 388-0215 CELL:(225) 603-1998
Powering Progress
Slaughter; 45; theft $5,000 but less than
$25,000, simple burglary
TEZANO,MELISSAL.: 388 Kennerson Road, Opelousas; 51; criminal trespass/trespassing of real property,theft less than $1,000
LANDRY, DAVID CHARLES: 10140 Golden Gate St., Convent; 39; twocounts failureto appear-bench warrant
JUNE 29
JOHNSON SR., KASHOD ALLENMICHEAL: 3732 La. 1S Donaldsonville; 31; resisting an officer, failuretoappear-bench warrant
BATISTE, WENDALL COREY: 1509 N. Coolidge Ave., Gonzales; 40; violations of registration provisions, security required, operating vehicle while license is suspended, hit-and-run driving, monetary instrument abuse
WILLIAMS,AVERY: 15451 Shirley Drive, Prairieville; 26; resisting an officer, entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden, simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000, domestic abuse battery
ALCALA, KRISHA PARR: 1515 E. BayouRoad Donaldsonville; 54; theft less than $1,000
JUNE 30
WRIGHT,DONALD WAYNE: 18030 N. Manning
Ave., Unit B, Prairieville; 43; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, theft less than $1,000, battery of adating partner-strangulation
GADDIS,DONNELL DWAYNE: 15376 Roy Rogers Road, Prairieville; 37; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
JULY1
BERRY, AHMIDE TRAYVON: 16814 Stephanie Ave., Baton Rouge; 21; view outwardor inward through windshield or windowsobscuring prohibited, expired motor vehicle inspection, security required, operating vehicle while license is suspended, violations of registration provisions, switched license plate, reckless operation
DUHE, SARA PAULINE: 11081 Buxton Road, St. Amant; 26; proper equipment required on vehicles-displayofplate, careless operation, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, operating while intoxicated-first ROSE, LEAMON ODELL: 15224 Haynes Road, Natalbany; 55; surety,failuretoappearbench warrant
BROWN, ALVIN: 911 Elizabeth St., Donaldsonville; 69; failuretoappear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
COMEAUX, SLADE: 12117 Wunstel Road, Gonzales; 21; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, theft of amotor vehicle over$25,000
WAGNER, CLAUDETTE YVETTE: 2883 ChippewaSt., Baton Rouge; 37; failuretoappearbench warrant GARZA, ADRIANNA MARIE: 14053 MireRoad Gonzales; 35; failuretoappear-bench warrant
ATKINS,CHANCE RYAN: 22210 Warren St., Plaquemine; 30; twocounts failureto appear-bench warrant
SCHUSTER, BENJAMIN JA’VON: 1040 E. Bienville St., Gonzales; 23; domestic abuse battery
LANE III, SAMUEL: 1909 N. Airline Highway, Gonzales; 40; state probation violation, second-degree battery,first-degree robbery, first-degree rape
FOSTER, KENYON RAY: 8263 Sweetgum Drive, Gonzales; 43; failuretoappear-bench warrant
BECKETT,LATOYAE.: 37191 La. 621, Prairieville; 40; state probation violation, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute heroin, operating vehicle while license is suspended, careless operation, operating while intoxicated-first
JULY2
JACKSON JR., JOSEPH D.: 38208 Debbie St., Prairieville; 57; four counts failuretoappearbench warrant BOUDREAUX, TIANA KACHE: 2012 S. John Ave., Gonzales; 22; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
LUNKIN, RYAN 0.: 615 Claiborne St., Donaldsonville; 48; disturbing the peace/language/ disorderly conduct
MADERE JR., JIMMY JOSEPH: 715 W. Worthey Road, Gonzales; 45; telephone communications/improper language/harassment, cyberstalking
BATTAGLIA, JESSICATEEMARIE: address unknown; 31; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer
WILLIAMS,KENNETH: address unknown; 41; reckless operation, resisting an officer, aggravated obstruction of ahighway of commerce, aggravated flight from an officer
MALLOY,KRISTEN LEANA: 41433 Waterstone Ave., Prairieville; 36; domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse aggravated assault
JULY3
LEBLANC, JACOBYANTHONY: 36415 Gloria Road, Geismar; 25; telephone communications/improper language/harassment
“For nearly acentury, theU.S. Gulf Coasthas been central to Shell’s business and theU.S. energysupply By investing in our Louisiana assets,we are lowering emissions and supplying thenextgeneration of energy.”
EMMALEWIS
Shell Senior Vice President U.S. Chemicals &Products
Shell in Louisiana is shaping thefuture of energy. With morethan 3,000 menand women across the state,weare working everyday to reduceemissions,while increasing efficiency in our operations
Ourtomorrowdepends on what we do today.Together, we are powering progressfor abrighter future. Louisiana is wherewelive and we’reproud to call it home
TODD Health and Safety Manager SHELL GEISMAR
Leadership Ascensiongraduates 29th class
Community news report
The Ascension Chamberof Commerce recentlycompleted its 29th year of its Leadership Ascension program. Before acrowd of more than 100 community leaders, alumni supporters and sponsors, the chamber honored the Class of 2024 graduates in aceremony at the Parc 73 Reception &Conference Center Leadership Ascension, like similarprogramsnationwide, is designed to develop responsible and informed community leaders, according to anews release. Recognized and emerging leaders in the community are selected to represent the diverse demographicofthe Ascension Parish Community Since itsinception in 1996 Leadership Ascension has graduatedmorethan800 business owners, community leaders and government officials.
The 33 participants in this year’sLeadership Class were divided into four groups. Each group was tasked with developing and implementing avolunteer-based project that would positively affect the Ascension Community.This year’sprojects included: n Bridging Ascension Focusedonimpactingand
COMPUTERS
Continued from page1G
improving lives for the CouncilonAging n Fellows of Ascension —Assisted the Fellowship Center with improvements totheir facilities, outreach andassistance n Grounded &Growing —Highlighted the support and resources in Ascension parish for those in recovery from substanceabuse disorderwhile spotlighting the soberliving home,Each Day A New Beginning, by advocatingand improvingthe quality of living of the residents n Work of Arc —Increased awarenessof the Arc ofEast Ascension’s On and Off-Site
are happening in districts across the state to rehabilitateorfully replace devices in a generally unseen effort during the summer, some school technology officials said.
Carlos Williams, directoroftechnology for next-door Livingston Parish public schools, said that though districts have been expanding the use of computers foryears, he believes COVID and demand for more remote learning drove thenumbers far higher,far more quickly
Counting student and teacher devicesand the variety of other computing equipment nowinschools, Williams said the number of places where students and staff interact with adevice has risen from 30,000 to more than 70,000 during his past seven years as director
“It just bloomed,” he said
All of those points need to be maintained and even potentially replaced,Williams said.
While plenty of that work happens during the school year,summer is time for the big refresh, Williams and others noted
UnlikeAscension schools,which mostly does the computerworkatthe school level, the work in Livingston Parish is focusedon the district’scentral office, as reconditioned devices are shipped back and forth between about48school sites and the central office in the town of Livingston.
Williams said his technology staff is supplemented with temporary workers in the summer who can clean and reimage up to 1,000 computers aday
“Weprobably this year will have done about 15,000,” he said.
Reimaging means that devices are wiped clean internally of the past years’downloads and other activities.
Contractors handle repair work for computers under warranty,hesaid
In Assumption schools, which has about one-tenth the student enrollment of Ascension or Livingston,two technicians were expected to inventory,assess and wipe all studentChromebooks, around 3,100, asystem spokeswoman said.
Awarranty provider doesmajor repairs, while about 625 computers are replaced with new ones each year
In Ascension, around five teams of about six or seven workers that include acombination of regular staff and temporary student workers rotate throughout Ascension’s 34 schools.
On that JunemorningatSt. Amant High, Hardin and Kellerwere toilingonthe exterior details on afew laptops as other students worked on an earlier phaseofthe process, follow-up workonthe laptops’ software following the reimaging Hardin and Keller wiped the laptop keyboards with arag andrubbingalcohol and occasionally used apick to work out gunk from the bottom of some devices afterthey had been reimaged.
Another past Ascension graduate,Finn Schouster,18, moved stacksof finished
Work Services
TheLeadership Ascension Projectofthe Year went to Fellows of Ascension. The team members are Jamie McKnight, Samantha Rothschild, Vickie Rogers, Nicolas Schexnayder,Jodi Runfalo and Tamika Westbrook. This year’s graduates included Christopher Achee, Ascension Parish Library; MeganBabin,Ascension Parish Government;Micha Ballow,EA/EI Catholic School Partnership; Adam Brasseaux, AscensionParishSheriff’s Office; Nicole Brown,Ascension Credit Union; Toni Carlton, Shell
computerstoa roominthe librarywhere more than380 werealready organized in piles of 10.
Keller,who was doing this job forhis third summer,saidthis batchoflaptops doesn’t seem to be as bad as those in past years.
ButKeller and Hardin noted that computers havestill shown up with food,dust and pethairinnooks and crannies. They shared alaughwitheachother over acomputer with the crayon embedded in its vents. Also, there’sthe general stickiness, the duo added.
“And what’sreally gross, if there are any art students, the computers will havepaint on them andstuff,” saidSchouster,who is in hisfourth year on the job and graduated early from St. AmantHigh in 2022.
Ascension districtofficials said the assemblylinethat ends with thefinaltouch-ups in individual schools like St. AmantHigh beginswith theschool-levelcollection of student devices when theyear ends in May Devices are reviewed,ensuring every computer is touched, school officialssaid. Those in need of significant physical repair —anumber in the thousands that canincludethosewith broken keys and monitors or worse—are sent to acentral building in Sorrento where Dell contractors do that work, officials said.
“One guyran over …(hiscomputer).It was literally in a‘U’ shape,” said Demetrius Irving, an Ascension internet technology administrator who manages thesummer process, as well as workduring theyear Darby Lambert, Ascension’sdirector of information technology,addedthatthe school system keeps its devices on afouryearreplacement schedule, meaning about 4,000 ayear are replaced with newequipment atacost of about $4.5 million.
Complicating this year’seffort is the big change in the district’shigh school feeder systems.
To make room for the new Prairieville High School,which opensinthe fall,student populationsacross all grade levels in theparish’seast bank schools were shifted. Device numbers have to be rebalanced to matchthe new student populationsbefore theschool year starts, Lambert explained.
“So, we’ve got afiniteamount of time that we’ve got to get these devices in, cleaned, updated, all that type of process,” Lambert said. Most of the work is expected to be finished by mid-July
“We’ll make it like it’snew and ready to go for the new year,” he said.
Chemical; Jason Cheek, TruBlueWater; Ethan Daigle, RJ Daigle &Sons; KatieDecker,American Cancer Society; Travis Drago, BASF;Michelle Garbiras, Hannis T. Bourgeois;Tamiko Garrison, BCBS Medicare Team; Jaycee Gill, CityofGonzales/ Price LeBlanc PACE Center; Sheena Hayes, The Arc of East Ascension; Lynelle Johnson, Community Steel Co.; Kolbie LeBlanc, Domain Architecture;Lynette Matherne, Ochsner Health System; Jamie McKnight, CSRS; JeremyMuse, Ascension Public Schools; Landon
Richard, Neighbors Federal Credit Union; Vickie Rogers, REV;Samantha Rothschild, Methanex;JodiRunfalo,Dr. Clayton F. Runfalo; Justin Schexnayder,HNTBCorporation; Nicolas Schexnayder, McKim &Creed, Inc.; MaeganSchmidt, BASF; Bree St. Germain, CF Industries; Resa Tureau,Ascension Clerk of Court; Ynohtna Tureaud, Anointed Hands Center forHairLoss; Tamika Westbrook, Our Lady of theLakeAscension;and EllenWhitehead,RiverParishes Community College. Leadership Ascension started in 1996 with the
The
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STAFF PHOTOSBYJAVIER GALLEGOS
Kristen Chatman, left, works on acomputer’ssoftware while Nafes Furan, KylonHardin, Gabriel Keller and MathewAdams, left to right, cleanthe laptops at St. Amant High School
Kylon Hardin wipesalaptop’skeyboard cleanofany gunk.