UPDATED WITH SUPERINTENDENT'S STATEMENT: Mayor on Facebook: City, School Board officials meet about problems at MCJHS

The St. Mary School Board and the Morgan City Police Department have agreed on “a heavier presence” at Morgan City Junior High School after a meeting Friday, Mayor Lee Dragna said in a Facebook post.

Other recent social media posts from other local people have expressed concern about the safety of students and frustration with the administration’s response to those concerns at the school.

Dragna said he was part of a meeting that also included Chief Administrative Officer Charlie Solar and representatives of the School Board and the St. Mary Sheriff’s Office.

“After lengthy discussion the school board agreed to allow the MCPD to have a heavier presence at the school on a daily basis,” Dragna wrote in his Facebook post. “This should straighten up the alleged student misconduct and allow the teachers a little more teaching time.”

The mayor thanked the School Board and the Police Department “for coming to a common consensus on the safety issues.”

Dragna asked people who want to report illegal activity to call the Police Department. Issues with the school should be directed to Assistant Superintendent Joe Stadalis at 337-836-9661.

“If you don’t call and make complaints then there’s no record of it,” Dragna wrote. “Please tell your kids to be respectful to the teachers and police officers so we can get back to normal.”

St. Mary Superintendent Teresa Bagwell sent this statement by email Saturday:

"St. Mary Schools is firmly dedicated to ensuring a safe learning environment for all students and employs the leadership of school administrators and teachers to that end. The district has long benefited from partnerships with local law enforcement and fire departments along with our school resource officers to teach and monitor safety guidelines. The school system’s requested meeting with Morgan City officials provided an opportunity for district staff to share recent updates in laws and procedures regarding student discipline and what supports local officials can offer to promote a safe and secure learning environment.

"Schools also welcome and appreciate the input of parents and staff regarding safety matters and continue to encourage immediate communication of any concerns to facilitate a complete and appropriate resolution for students and staff. The education of children extends beyond the school grounds and having the support of parents and community officials is critical. We genuinely appreciate the willingness of Morgan City officials to play a role in helping our students develop into conscientious citizens."

ST. MARY NOW

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