With St. Charles Parish Public Schools facing difficult financial decisions, two candidates seeking the District 8 School Board seat said protecting teachers and classroom resources will be among their top priorities.
Daniel Burst and Joel Picolo are competing in the Nov. 3 election, with both candidates outlining plans to improve financial oversight, support educators and strengthen communication with parents.
Burst, a physician assistant and Destrehan resident for 14 years, said his experience in health care has prepared him to listen, solve problems and advocate for others.
His wife, Gina, is beginning her 20th year with St. Charles Parish Public Schools, and the couple’s three children have attended parish schools. His oldest daughter graduated from Destrehan High School this year and is studying elementary education at Louisiana Tech University.
“With my family deeply involved in St. Charles Parish Public Schools, I want to bring that experience to the board, listen to our community, and make decisions that put students first,” Burst said.
Picolo, a real estate professional whose wife is a teacher, said the district’s financial problems motivated him to run.
“I decided to run because when I heard about the budget deficit, I knew (as a husband of a teacher and a father to a student that’s already in the school system and a future student in a few years) that it was my duty to protect teachers and students from being the target of budget cuts that will need to happen,” Picolo said.
Picolo said he would also prioritize restoring regular comparisons between budgeted and actual spending, ending the use of the General Fund as a cash clearing account and providing monthly public updates on the district’s financial progress. He would make cuts to discretionary spending without touching salaries, benefits and student resources.
Burst said the district must learn from its recent financial problems. An independent financial review identified weaknesses in the district’s financial reporting and oversight practices.
“We must learn from what happened and make sure it never happens again,” Burst said.
Burst said he would advocate for regular independent audits, transparent reporting and clear accountability for spending.
“Taxpayer dollars should directly support student success,” Burst said. “I will push for transparency, regular financial reviews and a clear understanding of where our money is going. Before approving spending, I want to know whether it benefits our students, supports our teachers, or improves our schools. We must spend responsibly and hold ourselves accountable.”
Burst’s priorities include retaining qualified teachers, providing classrooms with the resources students need and ensuring responsible spending of taxpayer dollars.
Burst also supports competitive teacher pay, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and ensuring teachers have the resources they need.
To retain teachers, Picolo emphasized strengthening administrative support and reducing paperwork that takes time away from instruction. He also supports continuing the district’s three-year mentorship program for new teachers.
“When I talk to teachers, pay isn’t the first thing they raise,” he said. “They say they’re stretched thin and that the decisions they make in their own classrooms don’t get backed up.”
Picolo said teachers need clearer administrative support and relief from responsibilities that take time away from teaching.
His priorities include balancing the district’s budget, strengthening teacher support and improving literacy among older students who have fallen behind in reading.
Picolo proposed regular emergency drills, individual classroom safety evaluations and expanded counseling and mentorship programs to strengthen school safety.
Burst advocates for strong safety procedures, appropriate staffing and access to counselors and mental health services.
Burst also said he would encourage parental involvement through public meetings, community forums and direct communication.
“I believe listening comes first,” he said. “I want parents to have meaningful opportunities to share their concerns. Families deserve to understand major decisions and know their voices are being heard before those decisions are made.”
Picolo said he would make himself available to parents through phone calls, individual meetings and school activities while notifying them about upcoming board decisions.
“My career makes it very easy for my schedule to be flexible, allowing me to go to individual schools to speak to teachers and students and make myself available for parents when they have questions,” Picolo said.
Voters will choose between Burst and Picolo on Tuesday, Nov. 3, when several other races and propositions will also appear on the ballot.
Early voting runs Oct. 20-27, excluding Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Residents can vote early at the East Bank location at 14564 River Road in New Sarpy or the West Bank location at 15045 River Road in Hahnville.
