Board begins developing list of bond projects

By November the St. Landry Parish School Board is to have $10 million to spend on capital improvements such as new schools.
Eric LaFleur, bond attorney, told the board’s Building, Lands Sites Committee Monday, that a list of projects needs to be developed by Oct. 15.
At its July meeting, the board approved a $3.8 million two-phase building project for Leonville Elementary.
At Monday’s committee meeting, Palmetto residents lobbied for renovations at their community’s elementary school with support from Rep. Rep. Ledricka Thierry, Rep. Bernard LeBas and 8th District BESE member Carolyn Hill.
Mary Ellen Donatto, committee chairwoman, said the board is obligated by policy to take a resolution by the Palmetto city government supporting the elementary school renovation under advisement.
Joseph Cassimere, an assistant superintendent, added to the list of possible projects stating there are 21 leaky school roofs and 18 portable buildings on sites costing the board $133,000 a year.
“The list could go on,” he said.
Donatto said a board retreat had been planned on the bond projects but may have to be delayed.
“This is going to be open,” she said. “We want to be clear and above board with everything. I have a distinct feeling it is going to be later than Sept. 8.”