THE ZACHA Y
ADVOCATE& T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, J u n e 25, 2025
$1.00N
11TH YEAR, NO. 37
ZACHARY SCHOOL BOARD
Communication policy in emergencies discussed BY OLIVIA MCCLURE Contributing writer
When an emergency situation arises at a school, how soon should officials release information about what is going on? How detailed should they be? Should they even speak on the issue at all? These were among the questions debated at the Zachary Community School Board’s work session and meeting June 17. The topic came up because
board member Crystal London had placed an item on the agenda proposing changes to the district’s policy on handling crises. Her suggested revisions define what a crisis is, with examples being acts of violence, situations requiring school lockdowns or evacuations, and “public dissemination of allegations, accusations or sensitive incidents that may impact school operations, student or staff safety or community trust.” Her proposed updates include
requirements for communicating with parents, faculty, staff and public safety officials within certain timeframes depending on the severity of the incident. Initial notices regarding immediate safety threats would have to be made within five to 10 minutes of confirming threats; communication about lower-level incidents would need to be occur within one to two hours.
ä See POLICY, page 2G
Finalizing change in tax allocations, vote on election to come July 15 BY OLIVIA MCCLURE Contributing writer
At its June 17 meeting, the Zachary Community School Board took the first step toward going to voters in the fall with a tax proposition — a measure leaders say wouldn’t cost taxpayers any more money but would bring in additional dollars for salaries, building improvements, technology upgrades and more. The board agreed to advertise its intention to vote at its next meeting, scheduled for July 15, on whether to call an election for the tax item. Superintendent Ben Necaise said
the district is not proposing a new property tax. Instead, the district wants voters’ permission to spend the funds generated by existing millages — which were created in the early days of the school district to fund the construction of new facilities — on other things. During a work session ahead of the board’s meeting, Necaise said his office will spend the next few months meeting with stakeholders and community members to try to sell them on the tax change. A big part of the effort will be communications and branding, he said, adding that the district is
ä See TAX, page 2G
PHOTOS BY WARREN BRADY
Wrestling campers warm up at Zachary High. Wrestling coach Ben McHugh’s summer wrestling camp pairs more experienced athletes with campers newer to the sport.
Laying the framework and surface for 2025-2026 ZHS sports season and beyond A quick trip to the Zachary High Athletic Center on June 19 showed a flurry of activity. There were athletes running on the football field and working out in the weight room, wrestlers of all ages honing their craft and support staff preparing for the upcoming season. So, though there may not be any active sports, there is a ton of preparation for games to be played and championships to be won. The ZHS football team is not hosting the summer 7-on-7 competitions this year as contractors are replacing the ZHS track. Early on June 19 when I came by the facility, the previous track surface had been completely removed. Later in the day I received a video from head track and field coach Chris Carrier showing the patching and ini-
Warren Brady ZACHARY SPORTS
tial installation of the new surface. “The wear and tear on the track was starting to show after 10 years, and we pride ourselves at ZHS in hosting quality track meets,” Carrier said. The track hosts two annual ZHS home meets, middle school meets, summer track meets and district and regional championship meets. Coach
ä See BRADY, page 2G
The Zachary High School track surface is removed and in the process of being refinished.
Lane office offers reassessment of penicillin allergy Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
Lane Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, led by Dr. Ashley Willis, is offering in-office evaluations to help patients safely reevaluate penicillin allergies that may no longer be active. According to recent studies, more than 90% of patients with a documented penicillin allergy may actually be able to tolerate the medication. Through a supervised procedure known as a penicillin challenge, Willis and her team monitor patients in a controlled setting to determine whether they can safely remove
the allergy label from their medical record. To request an appointment, visit www.lanermc.org/allergy.
At the library in July Heather Kinsel, the artist of the resin geode artwork display at the Zachary Branch Library, will meet with patrons at 10 a.m. July 19 at the library, 1900 Church St. The display has several pieces that were inspired by women of the Bible and their stories. “I let God’s beauty and grace flow through my creativity into
my artwork,” Kinsel said. The exhibit can be viewed throughout July. The Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library, 13600 Pride-Port Hudson Road, will host “Lethal Luau: Murder Mystery Game” for 20-somethings at 5 p.m. July 16. Through Aug. 15, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library will have free programs, workshops, story times, concerts and performances for all ages through the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, “Color Our World.” Learn more at www.ebrpl.com/Summer-
Reading. Track your reading and earn rewards. Sign up at your library branch or online at ebrpl. beanstack.org.
Baker prayer breakfast The Baker Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is at 7 a.m. June 27 at the Baker Auditorium, 3325 Groom Road. Tickets are $7 at the door. Senate President Pro Tem Regina Barrow is the speaker. For information or to purchase tickets, call (225) 778-0300.
ä See AROUND, page 2G