An update on the University Square Learning Park and the Louisiana Highway 1088 exit from Interstate 12 highlighted St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis’ address to the St. Tammany Parish School Board Thursday.

Both projects are still on track, and Davis urged board members and the public to let their legislators know how important the I-12 exit is to the parish.

The School Board adopted a resolution in concept supporting state funding of the $20 million project that will be sent to state legislators. Congress has already provided $11 million in funding, with the state responsible for $9 million of the projected cost. Also appearing at the meeting was Southeastern Louisiana University President John Crain, who said worked with the board in other capacities but is looking forward to continuing the relationship between the parish school system and SLU with the common focus on the success of students.

Superintendent Gayle Sloan said there is a good relationship between the two educational entities since many of the parish’s students attend SLU and the school system hires many of the education graduates of SLU.

Orleans Parish School Superintendent Darryl Kilbert and Orleans Parish School Board members Brett Bonin and Thomas Robichaux addressed the board and thanked members for their offer of assistance to the Orleans Parish board. Bonin said that since five of their seven board members are new, it means a lot to be able to call upon an experienced and successful board.

“We need to forge relationships across the lake because education is all about the young people and children who are our future,” Kilbert said.

He also offered assistance to St. Tammany regarding charter schools, an area Orleans is more familiar with. Sloan and Kilbert already have a working relationship, and Sloan said the boards need to collaborate and build on that relationship.

The talents arts program, recipient of this year’s President’s Art Award, was recognized with an award presented by Davis. The program involves 1,700 students and 48 teachers. Margaret Sharpe, fine arts supervisor, said, “It celebrates the importance of art in our everyday lives.”

The Northshore Kiwanis Club presented the board with a check for $8,100 to kick start the automated electronic defibrillator program. Fundraising by the Kiwanis will provide a total of six AEDs to be distributed in their area’s schools, including Mandeville High, Fontainebleau High and Lakeshore High.

Sloan said this is the first donation received for the life-saving devices, and hopefully other groups will join in. Although the board will fund three AED’s for each school, the high schools’ areas are so large more are needed.

All-State musicians and choir members were recognized from throughout the parish, including members of the LMEA All-State concert band, jazz ensemble, women’s chorale, choir, symphonic band and orchestra and members of the ACDA all-state honor choir and national choir.

The national Shakespeare competition winner, Amelia Robert from Covington High, was also recognized. As a national finalist, she receives an all-expense paid trip to the national competition in New York City in April.

The board also approved committee as a whole recommendations as follows:

• Acceptance for public review of the policy and support guidelines for booster clubs and support organizations, 15-0;

• Low bid by Grosjean Contractors, Inc. of $238,000 for Northshore High School gym reproofing, 15-0;

• Low bid of Rotolo Consultants, Inc. of $106,515 for C. J. Schoen Administrative Complex Preservation Plaza, 15-0;

• Low bid submitted by Dant Clayton Corp. of $136,128 for Slidell High School pressbox replacement, 15-0;

• Low bid submitted by LaPorte Plumbing and Heating of $189,000 for plumbing for leased portables, by a vote of 14 with one abstention by Don Villere because of a personal relationship with LaPorte;

• And low bid by The Ellis Co., LLC of $468,785 for Alton Elementary School Reroofing, which includes the entire main building and gym, 15-0.

The board also adopted the use of La. RS 39:1597, titled “sole source procurement” for purchase of supplies, materials and equipment that are only manufactured by one firm and periodic reports will be given to the board, 15-0.

Board member also received certification from Sloan for two hours of training for 2009 as mandated by La. RS 17:53.