We stand in solidarity with our friends from Pointe-au-Chien and Isle de Jean Charles Tribal communities as they work to save their elementary school. On Thursday, Pointe-aux-Chenes parents, residents and students staged a protest against the school closure.
In a statement made at a recent School Board meeting, concerned parents and community members illustrated the direct connections between the importance of the school and resilience against coastal erosion and increasing hurricanes:
“The Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe opposes any efforts to close down Pointe-aux-Chenes Elementary School. Any measures to change the education system for the children living in Pointe-au-Chien or Isle de Jean Charles should only be done after meeting and consulting with parents, the community, and Tribal leaders on the potential impacts to the children and the community,” she said. “…Pointe-au-Chien is committed to preserving its culture, way of life and the sacred sites where our ancestors are buried. Terrebonne Parish is considering closure of a school that serves as a pillar of hope and opportunity for many facing dire circumstances – poverty, coastal erosion and effects of hurricanes.”
Take Action
You can take action today to keep the Pointe-aux-Chenes Elementary School open. The school board will meet again to discuss the issue on April 13th; your timeliness is essential.
Sign this petition: https://telelouisiane.com/save-pac
Contact school board members, state representatives, and parish officials and advocate to keep the school open. See below for contact information:
School Board Members
Phillip Martin
Superintendent
TPSD Central Office
201 Stadium Drive
Houma, LA 70360
985.876.7400 (Ask to speak with Superintendent’s Office)
pmartin@tpsd.org
Michael LaGarde
3643 Baker Drive
Houma, LA 70363
PC (985) 381-4777
BC (985) 688-6988
michaellagarde@tpsd.org
District 2
Gregory Harding
President
148 Columbus Street
Houma, LA 70360
H (985) 876-0393
PC (985) 688-0052
BC (985) 647-5614
gregoryharding@tpsd.org
District 3
Matthew J. Ford
107 Funderburk Avenue
Houma, LA 70364
PC (985) 665-3288
BC (985) 381-4604
matthewford@tpsd.org
District 4
Debi Benoit
120 Royce Street
Houma, LA 70364
W (985) 493-2563
BC (985) 856-0907
debi.benoit@nicholls.edu
District 5
Stacy Verhagen Solet
124 Suthon Avenue
Houma, LA 70364
BC (985) 381-4592
stacysolet@tpsd.org
District 6
Clyde F. Hamner
191 Godchaux Drive
Houma, LA 70360
H (985) 876-6567
PC (985) 855-6919
clydehamner@tpsd.org
District 7
Roger Dale DeHart
661 Bayou Dularge Road
Houma, LA 70363
H (985) 879-1329
BC (985) 860-1078
District 8
MayBelle N. Trahan, Ed.D.
Vice President
5282 Bayouside Drive
Chauvin, LA 70344
H (985) 594-4890
BC (985) 381-4533
maybelletrahan@tpsd.org
District 9
Dane Voisin
10357 East Park Avenue
Houma LA, 70363
PC (985) 232-4644
danevoisin@att.net