IPSB preps for audit at next meeting

Public schools In Iberia and St. Martin parishes will be closed again today while St. Mary Parish will reopen its doors following freezing weather the Teche Area has been contending with all week, Teche Area officials announced Thursday. 

Iberia Parish schools officials made their decision based on continuing concerns over low water pressure. Iberia Parish Superintendent of Schools Dale Henderson said water pressure and water availability are issues, noting the water systems have been strained in Iberia Parish.  

Iberia Parish School Board Offices will be open and all 12-month personnel are to report. Iberia Parish principals will be assessing their respective campuses this morning and reporting any issues.

In St. Martin Parish, Superintendent of Schools Lottie Beebe said public schools in the parish will be closed for another day. 

Beebe said in a prepared statement the closure was due to broken water lines at various schools and low water pressure. The Cecilia Water Corporation has issued a boil water advisory for a minimum of 24 hours.

St. Mary Parish public schools will be open today.

Water problems continue to be a lingering concern as South Louisiana deals with the aftermath of the coldest weather in recent memory. 

Iberia Parish President Larry Richard said pumps were shut down Thursday afternoon at Iberia Parish Water Works District No. 3 in Coteau. 

The district is also under a boil advisory until further notice. 

Customers are urged to check their property for leaks and to report any leaks seen in the water district.  

The Iberia Parish Courthouse opened Thursday and New Iberia City Hall will be open today.