Here is another response from a board member:

From: Bellisario, Mary
To: jberger@georgianfurnishing.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 9:38 PM
Subject: New High School Boundary Lines

Dear Jay,

Thank you so much for sending your thoughts to me. I am delighted to hear from both sides on this redistricting issue. In my opinion, there are pro's and con's to either scenario, and to some others I've been contemplating and corresponding about with the superintendent. I've discussed some accommodations to the selected Map 1, and some other new ideas as well, with fellow Board members Don Villere and Ron Bettencourtt, of Mandeville, and Mike Dirmann of Abita Springs.

My name is Mary K. Bellisario, and I represent District 15, the far eastern side of Slidell, referred to as the Military Road area (we are in the parish, not the city of Slidell.) Although I moved here from out of state over 20 years ago, my two children went through the St. Tammany Parish public school system, and are now successful college graduates. So I understand how Mandeville residents feel about their schools, both as parents and property owners.

I haven't made my mind up on anything, since I have only seen two of the three Boundary Committee meetings (I was the only Slidell-area board member to attend); since I'm getting plenty of e-mail both for and against the selected map; since we haven't yet received our board packets, providing background information; and since we haven't had the Boundary Committee's presentation to the board, which will occur on Oct. 16th. There is a lot of information to sift through.

I have come up with a couple interesting alternatives, similar to plans used in other states, which I have passed on to the superintendent. I don't know whether they would work here academically or logistically; and I don't know whether or not parents would like them. But much discussion is ongoing on that proposal, on the map which was selected, and on some other ideas as well.

I'm hoping everyone remains cooperative and open-minded.

I'm looking forward to the 16th and hearing from everyone concerned!

Mary K. Mary K. Bellisario
District 15 Representative, and Vice President
St. Tammany Parish School Board