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CENTERVILLE, La. (AP) — The St. Mary Parish School Board has voted close two schools, a cost-cutting measure to address a funding gap from falling tax revenues and an exodus of students.
The Advocate reports (http://bit.ly/1RF5d7D) the board decided to close J.A. Hernandez Elementary in Franklin and M.D. Shannon Elementary in Morgan City, decisions projected to save the school district about $3.6 million annually.
Pupils from J.A. Hernandez will attend nearby Foster Elementary or LaGrange Elementary in Franklin; in Morgan City, pupils from M.D. Shannon will attend either Wyandotte Elementary or M.E. Norman Elementary.
Officials say no layoffs of teachers or other staff are anticipated.
Superintendent Leonard Armato said last week they are bracing for a $4 million to $8 million shortfall in the 2016-17 school year budget.
Armato said since October 2014, school enrollment has fallen by 263 students.
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Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com
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