Residents of St. George are raising significant concerns regarding a proposed bill to create a new school district for their city, as discussed in the Louisiana House Education Committee meeting on May 28, 2025. The proposal, known as SB 234, has sparked debate over its implications for funding, fairness, and the overall structure of public education in the area.

Danielle Altuzan, a St. George resident and mother of two, voiced her apprehensions during the meeting, questioning the credibility of the financial data presented in the bill. She highlighted that the per-student cost referenced in the proposal is not documented by the Department of Education, casting doubt on the bill's foundation. "How can the authors of this bill have used this number when the Department of Education isn't even in possession of it?" she asked, emphasizing the need for transparency and accuracy in educational funding.

Altuzan also raised critical questions about the potential consequences of establishing a separate school district. She pointed out that if every municipality sought its own district, it could undermine the existing public education system. The bill's provision to lock district boundaries to city borders was particularly concerning for her, as it could grant unchecked power to city officials to alter those lines in the future.

Financial implications were another focal point of her testimony. Altuzan questioned the fate of properties that straddle the new district boundary, the distribution of tax revenue, and the status of existing charter schools. She also expressed concern over the bond debt associated with schools transitioning to the new district and the potential impact on healthcare for retirees from those schools.

The meeting underscored the complexities surrounding the proposed school district, with Altuzan urging representatives to consider the broader implications of SB 234. As discussions continue, the community remains vigilant about the potential changes to their educational landscape and the importance of maintaining a fair and equitable public education system.