Much has changed in the two and a half decades since Zachary began its drive to create an independent school system.
What started as a small breakaway district in a rural corner of East Baton Rouge Parish has grown over the years into one of Louisiana’s top academic and athletic performers — and an engine of economic and residential development that has transformed Zachary from a sleepy small town into a bustling suburb.
One constant amid all those changes was Gaynell Young. As one of the original members of the Zachary Community School Board, which was seated in 2001 as the fledgling district set about figuring out how to do business, Young played a key role in shaping the schools now attended by more than 5,500 children nearly double what they started with back in 2003, when the district officially began operations.
ä See YOUNG, page 3G
Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
Brandon Noel to host community meeting
Mayor Pro Tempore Brandon Noel invites residents of Metro Council District 1 to attend a community meeting to discuss district updates. The meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Chaneyville Community Center, 13211 Jackson Road, Zachary
This community meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to engage directly with Noel, Director of Transportation Fred Raiford and state Rep. Kellee Dickerson Hennessey The event is open to the public, and all residents are encouraged to attend. For information, contact Lisa Rioux at (225) 389-5170 or lrioux@brla.gov
Light the Night in memory
The annual Light the Night for Chris event to honor the
ä See AROUND, page 4G
Improvements coming to Zachary roads
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
Road upgrades aimed at making traffic flow more smoothly through Zachary are coming soon.
The City Council at its Feb. 25 meeting agreed to advertise for bids on a couple of projects.
One involves widening Church Street between La. 19 and Old Slaughter Road. Mayor David Mc-
“When you go down the road, it’s tough to get two vehicles through there at a time,” he said.
Drainage improvements will be made, too. Some trees will have to be cut down as part of the process.
David said traffic has picked up along that stretch due to the opening of the city’s new police headquarters and the construction of new apartments nearby Some people prefer taking Church Street because there is a red light at its intersection with La. 19, he said. On neighboring Montegudo Boulevard, traffic often backs up as drivers wait to make unprotected turns onto the busy highway The widening work is sorely needed, the mayor said.
ZHS boys basketball team advances to final four
First it was the Zachary High girls who advanced to the final four of Marsh Madness in Nonselect Division I. The week of March 4, the ZHS Boys took the floor to begin their state championship run.
The Broncos earned the top seed and a first-round bye. In the second round, regionals, on March 4, the Broncos defeated the 16th seed West Monroe Rebels at home 84-54.
Warren Brady
ZACHARY SPORTS
The Broncos took on the eighth seed Sulphur Tornados on March 7 at Zachary Sulphur reached the quarterfinals with wins over Sam Houston 68-60, and Ouachita Parish 75-73 in two overtimes.
The Tors started the game with two free throws and a layup to start the game followed by a baseline floater to take an early 6-0 lead. This enthralled a very large crowd that made the drive from Sulphur A free throw by senior Xavier Ferguson provided the Broncos first point. Shortly thereafter, a 3-pointer by Ian Edmond tied the score 6-6 with 4:03 remaining in the period. Sulphur responded with another 3-pointer to retake the lead, which was quickly gone after a Ferguson 3-pointer The Broncos took their first lead on a Kristion Brooks layup. The lead was extended to 4 on a Cambren Price layup. A late bucket by the Tors makes it 1816 after one.
Mason Newman started the scoring in the second and a three pointer by Ferguson deep in the backcourt put the Broncos up
23-16. Later in the period, a layup by Terin Landor extended the lead to 11 at which point Ferguson interjected with a dunk by that brought the large Zachary crowd to their feet with 2 minutes left in half and the Broncos with a controlling 31-18.
Another Ferguson dunk later in the period puts the Broncos up 20. Sulphur responded with two free throws, but the Broncos were firmly in control 40-22 at the half. Ferguson led all scorers with 11 in the first half. Ferguson started the scoring in the third as the Broncos maintained a large lead throughout the period and finished up 19 (5839). The last stanza began with two strong moves to the goal by Edmond. Throughout, Zachary coach
“We’re going to get it looking good over there so we can sustain a lot of traffic coming through there,” McDavid said.
Jon McClinton made multiple substitutions and placed full court pressured on the Tors throughout the game. Sulphur’s mainly seven-man rotation began to tire under this pressure in the fourth.
Two straight layups by Newman extended the lead to 24 before Sulphur responded with a 3-pointer After another Newman layup, the Broncos slowed the offense down with 2:34 remaining and a 23-point lead as coach McClinton emptied the bench. With the 78-52 victory the Broncos claimed their ticket to Lake Charles and the Burton coliseum to take on Natchitoches Central in the quarterfinals at 8 p.m. March 13.
ä See BRADY, page 2G
The second project approved to go out for bids includes extending the southbound turning lane on Church Street at Old Scenic Highway and the northbound turning lane on Main Street at Plank Road. McDavid said traffic frequently bottlenecks at those intersections with long lines of drivers wanting to make turns.
Founder blamed for delays in school employees getting paid
BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer
The new leaders of embattled Impact Charter School in Baker are accusing the school’s founder, Chakesha Scott, of denying them access to payroll and other records, saying her obstruction led to a six-day delay in employees getting paid.
“If Ms. Scott’s actions continue, the employees cannot get paid, the teachers may become unemployed and students will not be able to attend the school,” according to the lawsuit brought by the school’s new leadership arising from the travails of the school of about 400 students located north of Baton Rouge.
Scott’s exile from the school she founded almost 11 years ago began Feb. 24 when the fresh state-appointed board of directors moved quickly to freeze out Scott and her husband, Eric, the school’s principal, placing both on paid leave. The dramatic developments unfolded after she was accused in a state audit report Feb. 10 of using the school to enrich herself and her family In the lawsuit, filed a week after she was placed on leave, the new board claims Scott has “knowingly and intentionally” refused access to current payroll records, preventing employees from getting paid. Moreover, the suit claims Scott has continued to “delete data and information from related school financial accounts as she still has access to these accounts.” The board is seeking to remove Scott as an authorized user from all school accounts.
State District Judge Ronald Johnson immediately denied the plaintiffs’ request for a temporary restraining order against Scott, instead scheduling a hearing for March 17.
Ron Haley an attorney who has represented Scott in the past, said he is not sure who will represent her in this case, but said Scott has not been obstructing the new school leaders. Rather, he said, they have brought their problems on themselves by failing to listen to his advice to place one person in control of school finances.
“If they wanted to take control of the school accounts, there was a way to do that,” Haley said. Transition and blame
It is the fourth lawsuit so far in this fast-moving educational saga and the first where Scott is the defendant. Her husband, her daughter and her mother are also named as defendants, as well as anyone connected with the Friends of Impact Charter, the school’s private philanthropic foundation Chakesha Scott also leads. Scott is blaming the new management for the payroll problems. In a Feb. 28 message to supporters, she pointed to attempts “to seize the school’s bank accounts,” thereby delaying employees
Gaynell Young
PHOTO BY SONYA GOSS
Zachary Broncos head coach Johnathan McClinton
PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
Xavier Ferguson, No. 10, steals the ball in an attempt to shoot but gets blocked by two Sulphur players
senior Xavier Ferguson leading the Broncos to
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Continued from page 1G
Yes, the Natchitoches Central girls were defeated by the ZHS girls team in the quarterfinals round last week. Ten Broncos scored on the night. Ferguson was the top scorer with 18 points. Newman (14 points), Price (13 points), and Edmond (11 points) were also double-figure scorers. Natchitoches Central (the #4 seed) earned their trip to the final four with a 7962 victory over Covington.
The winner will play the winner of Denham Springs and Central on March 15 for the Division I Nonselect Championship. So far, the teams appear pretty well seeded with no major upsets as the remaining four teams are the top four seeds.
Let’s just hope it continues to play out that way and top seeded Zachary brings home another championship.
Warren Brady covers sports for The Plainsman He can be contacted at zachary@theadvocate. com.
Zachary High senior Xavier Ferguson, No. 10, goes up for the shot.
PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
Zachary High senior, Terrin Landor, No. 12 steals the ball and makes the shot.
Broncos win the state quarterfinals 78-62 against Sulphur on March 7.
Zachary Broncos cheerleaders
Bronco
victory scores again during the third quarter of last week’s playoff game.
Zachary High senior Terrin Landor takes his shots at the free throw line.
Mason Newman gets two shots at the free throw line after being fouled.
Broncos Kriston Brooks drives to the basket.
SCHOOL
Continued from page 1G
getting paid. She also raised concerns about changing of door locks, making new digital account passwords, disabling security cameras, replacing school vendors and threats to staff.
The new management was finally able on Wednesday to cut paychecks for staff An attorney representing the school did not address an Advocate reporter’s questions Friday about how the school managed to make payroll or whether the problem has been fixed for good, saying “all other matters are being taken care of in the appropriate jurisdiction, including the courts.”
Asked the same questions, Impact’s school board President Torrence Williams issued a statement defending the actions of the new board.
“Every decision that has been made since the new
the East Baton Rouge Parish school system and four years as superintendent of another charter school, University View Academy before retiring in 2022.
in-ground swimming pool at her house and more
pers, but no court date has been set.
Young would go on win several elections — running unopposed in most and represent District 1 for more than 20 years, lending a voice of experience and wisdom to countless discussions on school policies, financial matters, administrative hires and other issues. Young, 68, died unexpectedly March 2. She was the last of the founding members still on the school board and had recently been elected by her colleagues to serve as board president
“Dr Young was a guiding force in shaping the vision of our district, advocating for the success of every student, and ensuring that our schools remained places of learning, opportunity, and growth,” Superintendent Ben Necaise wrote in a statement announcing Young’s passing. “Beyond her leadership, Dr Young
board was installed has been about doing what’s best for children,” Williams said As of Friday afternoon, the school was still frozen out of its account with Neighbors Federal Credit Union in Baton Rouge.
“The status of this account has not changed,” said Neighbors spokesman Brett Reynolds.
“The credit union has
was a friend and mentor to many, always offering a listening ear, words of encouragement, and a deep belief in the power of education.
Necaise’s statement was posted on the school district’s Facebook page, where dozens of people left comments remembering Young’s kindness and dedication to the community.
“She was a wonderful lady who I had the pleasure of calling friend and will be deeply missed in more ways than one,” wrote Marty Hughes, a member of the school board. “She gave her time and knowledge to her community she loved so deeply.”
“Dr. Young has made a tremendous and lasting impact in the Zachary Community,” posted Jonathan Coats, principal of Northwestern Elementary “Thank you for sharing your passion, zeal and knowledge with us Your name will forever remain a staple in our community Rest well.”
Retired Advocate reporter
received conflicting statements about who is currently authorized on the account. Due to this dispute, we have temporarily frozen the account and until we receive clarification from the court.”
Impact Charter is now led by veteran educator Michelle Clayton serving as its interim superintendent Clayton spent two years as deputy superintendent of
James Minton, who covered the Zachary School Board from its beginning until 2013, said Young represented the northwestern corner of the district, including the Port Hudson area, but looked out for the entire district throughout her service.
“She was there at the beginning and made it a point to be a board member for each and every child in the district,” Minton said. “Her lengthy tenure is a testament to her dedication to Zachary’s students.”
According to an obituary from Wilson-Wooddale Funeral Home, Young’s survivors include her husband, three children, 10 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. She also is survived by her brother and sister as well as godchildren, nieces and cousins. A celebration of her life was held March 8 at First Baptist Church.
A lifelong resident of the Port Hudson area, Young got involved in the local education scene around the turn
Clayton said in a statement she has signed a six-month contract to help Impact Charter finish this school year and ready itself for next year
“I knew that there weren’t many people who were equipped to address the unique issues in this situation,” Clayton said. “I wanted to lend my skillset to help the teachers continue to educate students at Impact Charter.”
Court setbacks
Chakesha Scott’s life changed dramatically after the Feb. 10 release of a 173-page state audit that accused her of diverting hundreds of thousands of dollars from the charter school and a related private foundation to pay for personal travel, a car lease, an
of the millenium as leaders pondered Zachary’s transition from being part of the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System to striking out on its own.
The breakaway school district had been approved by the state legislature and voters statewide. It inherited four school campuses — Northwestern Elementary, Zachary Elementary Northwestern Middle and Zachary High — from the parishwide system.
Young recalled those times in a 2023 interview with Porch and Parish, a Zachary magazine. It wasn’t initially clear, the publication reported, whether students living outside Zachary city limits — including those in her beloved Port Hudson — would be allowed to attend schools in the new district or if they’d be bussed to campuses in Baton Rouge.
“I remember the public meeting vividly,” Young told Porch and Parish. “I spoke as a parent. Our kids have always gone to Zach-
The report, prepared by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor also found evidence of a potential kickback scheme with a school contractor and questioned Scott’s decision to divert more than $1.5 million to Friends of Impact Charter School. It is supposed to support the 4815 Lavey Lane school financially, but auditors claim it never has.
Scott sued the state on Feb. 7, trying to block state officials from releasing the audit publicly, but lost on Feb. 18 on procedural grounds.
Citing the findings in the audit, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, or BESE, on Feb. 21 removed Impact’s previous board of directors and replaced them.
Scott immediately filed a second suit, this time in federal court, seeking to reverse the state board of education’s decision. The parties are filing court pa-
ary schools — if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! And that was the start of my involvement. I love the kids and the community, and I wanted to make sure Port Hudson had effective representation.”
Today, the school system educates children across northwestern East Baton Rouge Parish. The district extends beyond Zachary city limits, bounded by the Mississippi River to the west, the parish line to the north, the Comite River to the east and Baker city limits to the south.
Though most in Zachary knew her as a fixture on the school board, Young wore a few other hats.
She retired from AT&T after three decades of service and more recently had been a senior project manger at Lockstep Technology Group, formerly called Transformyx.
She also was active at Lane Regional Medical Center serving on its Board of Commissioners. She even was a contestant on Wheel of For-
Four parents of students at Impact filed a similar suit in state court, but State District Judge Don Johnson — brother of Ronald Johnson — ruled against them on Thursday Kathleen Wilson, attorney for the parents, claimed the state education board on Feb. 21 violated the state’s open meetings law, thereby denying her clients due process and a say in who oversees the school. Wilson said several Impact parents were confused by the wording of the meeting agenda, and they didn’t realize the board was ready to act that same day to oust the Impact board and appoint a new one. After a hearing, Judge Don Johnson sided with the state education board, saying that the education panel complied with state open meetings law Wilson said her clients are planning to appeal.
tune in November 2024.
Young held a bachelor’s degree in speech communication and rhetoric from Southern University and a master’s degree in speech communications from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Young had gone back to school in recent years, earning an executive doctoral degree in public policy from Southern University in 2023. Her dissertation examined zero-tolerance policies in Louisiana schools.
Young posted excitedly on her LinkedIn profile in 2021 that she’d been accepted into the PhD program. “I share the following awesome news along with my philosophy that I hope will encourage others which is ‘To set a goal and not executive is a dream; however to set a goal and actively pursue attainment is a mission,’ ” she wrote. “This is my new mission!” Two years later, she proudly made another post: “MISSION COMPLETE!”
FILE PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK
Impact Charter School is seen May 28 in Baker
Community news report
Community meeting set
District 2 Council member Rochelle Dunn is holding a community meeting at 6 p.m., March 20 at Baker Municipal Center 3325 Groom Road, Baker. For information, call (225) 317-8465.
Farmers market, pop-up shop planned
A farmers market and pop-up shop will be in Baker from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 29, June 14, Sept. 13, and Dec. 13.
Vendor fees are $25 for Baker Chamber of Commerce members and $40 for non members Food trucks will cost $75 for members and $125 for non members.
For information, contact Latoya at (225) 412-4311 or latoya@bakercoc.com.
Baker’s top citizen nominations
The Baker Inter-Club Council is accepting 2024 Citizen of the Year Award nominations.
Guidelines are:
n The individual must reside within the city limits of Baker or an unincorporated area of East Baton Rouge Parish.
n The individual must have provided unselfish time/talents that improved the quality of life for the citizens of Baker for which he/she was not paid and does not fall within the scope of his/her job duties.
n Nominations should be mailed to 3809 Epperson St., Baker LA 70714; the selection will be made from those received as of 4 p.m., March 24. Club members will vote in the Baker Library Garden at 5 p.m. Club dues of $10 must be paid before the beginning of the meeting. Clubs and organizations interested in joining the Inter-Club Council should contact President Doris Alexander at (225) 778-0141.
Stop the Violence group to host event
The Diontrey Claiborne Stop the Violence Organization is set to host its Hope for Tomorrow Fundraiser Gala from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. March 22 at The Dream Center, 4345 Harding St., Baker
The event is also looking for sponsors.
Founded in 2017 by Shanna ClaiborneElliott and Lester Scott, the organization was born from tragedy Claiborne-Elliott lost her son in 2014 after he and two others
BAKER
were bystanders during an altercation at a birthday party Determined to turn pain into purpose, she launched the initiative to provide at-risk youth with a safer path forward.
“We didn’t know how we were going to do it, but we had a vision,” Claiborne-Elliott said.
What started as a summer basketball camp with 50 kids has grown into a comprehensive program serving 80 to 100 youth.
The organization offers nonviolence education, conflict resolution training, financial literacy, and counseling — all aimed at keeping children off the streets and guiding them toward productive futures.
The fundraiser will help sustain these initiatives. Tickets for the gala can be purchased at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hope-fortomorrow-gala-tickets-1020275761267
Additionally, the organization will host its annual basketball and cheer summer camp at Advantage Charter School from July 10-13. Applications will be accepted from March 17 to June 30, and volunteers are welcome.
For information on how to support the cause, visit DCSTV.org.
Seafood restaurant opens in Zachary
Charity golf tournament The Baker Community Charity Golf Tournament is April 11 with an 8 a.m. start time at BREC Beaver Creek Golf Course, 110 Plains-Port Hudson Road, in Zachary Visit tinyurl.com/vft8aw4k or contact latoya@bakercoco.com or (225) 412-4311 for details or to sign up. Make a check payable to Baker Chamber of Commerce, 3439 Groom Road, Baker, LA 70714. Chamber to lunch and learn Baker Chamber of Commerce is holding a Lunch and Learn at 11:30 a.m. March 20 at Greenwood Community Park, 13350 La. 19, Baker The speaker will be Lori Melancon, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber RSVP by Monday, March 17 at 225-412-4311 or latoya@bakercoc.com. Medicare seminar planned Center Well Baker, 6404 Groom Road, will have a
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memory of Chris Lawton, a firefighter and police officer in Zachary, is set for 5:30 p.m. March 12 at Zachary BREC Park (behind Parkside Apartments) Bring glow lights, flashlights or anything to light up the night for Chris. Two routes are available: Stay on the property and walk around the ponds or follow the 3-mile trail that connects to Americana and loops back to Zachary Youth Park (signs will be posted for directions).
Pawdi Gras parade reset
Pawdi Gras parade is now a St Pawdi Gras parade The event is from 1 p.m to 4p.m., Sunday, March 16, in downtown Zachary The parade rolls at 3 p.m Music will be available. Jambalaya cooked by Mayor David McDavid will be sold, with proceeds going to the rescue Other food trucks will be on site.
Prizes for best parade entrants will be provided by Raising Cane’s.
Lane Diaper Drive ends March 16
Lane Regional Medical Center is hosting a diaper drive through March 16.
Donations of new or open packs of disposable diapers can be dropped off at the collection bin inside the first floor elevator
lobby at Lane Regional Medical Center, or at any Lane clinic.
As a partner agency of the Junior League of Baton Rouge’s Diaper Bank, the goal is to collect 1,000 diapers to distribute to families experiencing diaper need through Lane Pediatrics.
Black history event
Baker-Zachary Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority presents “Pearls of the Past, Pillars of the Future: A Journey Through Black History.”
The event will be at 4 p.m. March 15 at the Baker Municipal Center, 3325 Groom Road, Baker It will feature music, theater, dance and poetry The BZA choir and other guests, as well as school and community groups will perform.
Contact Allison Singleton or Miriam Young-Dunn for information at bzaartsandletters@gmail.com.
Play golf to help Zachary
Zachary Charity League is holding its golf tournament April 4 at Fennwood Hills Country Club, Zachary The four-player scramble is $500 a team and has a 1 p.m. tee time.
Contact Claire Simmons at (225) 202-8297 or send us an email at zacharycharityleague@gmail.com with team information. Payments can be made by check or through Venmo @Zacharycharity-league. E-mail zacharycharityleague@gmail.com
with any questions.
Code Red Chili & Salsa Cook-Off
Lane Foundation’s 10th annual Code Red Chili & Salsa Cook-Off is Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Downtown Zachary, 4650 Main Street. The competition is open to amateurs and professionals of all ages. There are five cooking competition categories: Judges Red Chili, Judges Nontraditional, Judges Salsa, People’s Choice Chili and People’s Choice Salsa. The Team Spirit award is about how well the team embodies the spirit of the cook-off through their presentation, team costumes, decorations and overall attitude.
Admission and parking to the familyfriendly event are free. There will be an arts and crafts market, kids zone, games, food trucks and live music at the gazebo all day Team entry fees range from $40-$60. Compete in one category or all. To register a team, sponsor the event, participate in the arts and crafts market, or volunteer, contact the Lane Foundation office at (225) 658-6699 or email tpayment@lanermc.org.
Proceeds from the Code Red Chili & Salsa Cook-Off will benefit the Lane Foundation.
Register for baseball
Spring baseball registration ends March 13. The fee is $75. Register at www.zacharyyouthpark.org.
Practices are March 31 to April 24, and games are April 28 to June 5. Divisions include T-ball ages 4-6 and coaches’ pitch 6-8, 10 under 12 under and 14 under April 30 is cutoff date for age determination. Coaches and assistant coaches are needed.
Ag Spring Fest is coming
The Zachary High Ag Spring Fest is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 15. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a shop will be in the school greenhouse. Attendees can expect games, a petting zoo, face painting, ag crafts, Easter egg hunts and more. Concessions will be sold. Cost is $5 a person. Under age 2 is free.
Bunny Hop coming The Zachary Rotary Club is hosting the Rotary Bunny Hop 2025 on March 22 near Lee and Virginia streets. The 1-mile run/walk is at 8 a.m. and the 5K run/walk starts at 8:30 a.m. Register at runsignup.com/Race/LA/Zachary/ZacharyRotaryBunnyHop.
There will also be the Zachary Farmers Market and the Lane Regional Medical Center Foundation annual Chili Cook-Off.
Send news and events for the Zachary area to zachary@theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
