VIDALIA— The Vidalia Board of Aldermen opened its meeting Tuesday evening with praises for the staff of Vidalia Lower Elementary School for the school’s B-plus score from the Louisiana Department of Education, which was the highest score in Concordia Parish.

“If there is anything close to my heart, its education,” Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland said. “I am very proud of the school system of Vidalia.”

Alderman Triand “Tron” McCoy said he was particularly proud of the school system because the teachers take a personal interest in students.

The board approved a motion by McCoy to adopt Vidalia Lower as its school of the semester. He said the board will explore the option of adopting a school for each semester in the future.

Vidalia Lower Principal Debra Harris was at the meeting, along with several teachers and school staff. Harris credited her school’s success to a team effort.

“We believe teamwork makes the dream work,” she said.

Alderman Ricky Knapp said the educators hard work on early mornings and late nights does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

In other news from the meeting:

– The board authorized Grants Coordinator Teresa Dennis to apply for a $35,000 community enrichment grant. Dennis said the grant may be used to replace current water meters with smart meters

– The board authorized City Attorney Jack McLemore to work on filing an ordinance that states that the city does not have to re-district any of the voting districts. McLemore said the current districts comply with the 2010 census data.

– The board approved authorization for Vidalia City Manager Ken Walker to apply for an $11 million Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development grant to build a port on the Mississippi River from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery fund.

– McLemore recommended to the board Paul Benoist serve as a representative for the absent or unidentified owners of the McDonald house, which the city is currently trying to get torn down. Copeland said the process has been a long one, but the city must go through the legal process.

The next aldermen meeting will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at Vidalia City Hall.