MARIJUANA CASE SPURS RESOLUTION BY SCHOOL BOARD

Members Who Violate Policy Urged To Quit

The Plaquemines Parish School Board signaled its disapproval Monday of
fellow board member Anthony St. Philip in a resolution that urged
board members in the future to resign if they violate the school
system's drug policy.

St. Philip, from Belle Chasse, pleaded no contest last month to a
charge of possession of marijuana in Gretna. The charge stems from an
incident on Mardi Gras in 2003, when St. Philip was given a summons by
Gretna police officers for possession of a marijuana cigarette while
walking on a street near a parade route.

St. Philip pleaded no contest to the charge in March and was ordered
to pay a fine and court costs.

In a resolution proposed by board member Nancy LaHaye at a meeting at
Buras Middle School, the board said it "does not condone this type of
behavior."

Any board member who violates the drug policy in the future "should
seriously consider resignation," the resolution said.

The board voted 8-0 for the resolution with little discussion. St.
Philip, who was at the meeting, abstained.

"I did what I felt like I needed to do," LaHaye said later.

St. Philip refused to comment.

In her resolution LaHaye said the board could not take legal recourse
against St. Philip because the charge was a misdemeanor.

"From a legal standpoint the board can't request or demand a
resignation from Mr. St. Philip," board President Sharon Branan said.

Only officials convicted of a felony are required to resign because a
convicted felon can't hold office, Branan said later.

The resolution also cited the board's strong drug policy for students
and employees and the need to "maintain a high standard of
credibility" with the public.

The "School Board has a drug policy applicable to all students and
employees (and) henceforth this drug policy should affect all board
members," the resolution said.

However, unlike the school system's employee and student drug policy,
the board cannot legally require its members to be tested for drugs,
LaHaye said.