KATC is Getting Answers for some families who live on the line between Lafayette and Vermilion Parish.
Looking at the picture of the map below, the red arrow is Racca Rd. in Youngsville, which is right along the parish line.
Jonathan Clements, a parent with three children at Milton Elementary School reached out to us because his wife was notified that next year their children would have to attend Vermilion Parish schools.
“[My daughter] was upset because she thought that she’s going to have to leave her friends. We pay taxes in Lafayette Parish, how can we be pushed into a parish that we don’t even pay taxes in,” Clements questioned.
The Vermilion Parish School Officials told us the family wasn’t zoned in their parish either.
After we started investigating, the issue was resolved and the students can stay in Lafayette Parish schools.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Craig explained that when Milton Elementary ran their “out of zone report” through the computer system, several students were flagged, including Clements’ 3 kids.
In all,13 students who live on Racca Rd. were notified Wednesday morning about the changes.
The parish line cuts right through the homes off that road.
Craig said the families can stay in Lafayette Parish schools and acknowledges they’ve had this issue before.
“We’ve got a couple situations on the edge of the parish. In the south east, Terrace Highway leaves the parish but the kids historically attended Lafayette Parish schools. And out in the northwest, we’ve got a group of kids who technically have Rayne addresses but attend Lafayette Parish schools,” he explained.
Craig said the district can accommodate families on parish lines, but they may have to fill out an “out of zone request.”
“If I wouldn’t have spoke up and said something, made some phone calls this morning, what would’ve happened? If you’re going to start making phone calls to people, let’s have our facts straight before you start disrupting people and getting them all upset,” said the father.
The Vermilion and Lafayette Parish School administrators, as well as the tax assessor’s office, are still working to verify each address on the list.
