ST. GEORGE — After a near 15-year push to separate from the East Baton Rouge School System, Louisiana voters rejected St. George’s effort to create its own school district.

Voters rejected Amendment Two blank percent to blank percent. Under the proposal, the governor would’ve appointed an initial school board and superintendent, with the district up and running for the 2027 school year.

The St. George Community School System would’ve inherited 5,800 students, land for a new school, two charter schools, and five traditional schools: Jefferson Terrace Academy, Shenandoah Elementary, plus Woodlawn Elementary, Middle, and High.

EBRPSS data showed that 12% of its employees could’ve been impacted, as they are currently assigned to schools in St. George.

St. George Mayor Dustin Yates claimed he will be able to lower taxes and that EBR could save money if a St. George school district is formed.

"We crunched the numbers, and our finances are rock solid. They want to talk about all the money they're going to lose but don't want to talk about all the services they're no longer be required to provide," Yates said.

School board members and critics of Amendment Two, however, said St. George does not have the tax base to support a new district.

Critics also said the split could weaken EBRPSS by shrinking its taxpayer base and student population.

St. George has the option to request lawmakers put the vote on ballots again.