School committee advances proposal to appropriate $375,000 for potential acquisition of charter property after heated debate

The St. Landry Parish School Board committee on Wednesday recommended that the full board consider appropriating $375,000 in state-allocated funds for the maintenance and possible acquisition of a building that district staff described as the Biomed (a former charter-school property).

The superintendent, Batiste, said the funds had been allocated by the legislature for that building and that acquiring the property could provide space for program expansion, including medical career training and partial separation of 7th–8th graders from the high school campus. "That that that's why it was. That that that's why it was," he said when explaining the origin of the allocation.

Why it matters: Committee members raised multiple practical and financial questions before endorsing further action: whether a current independent appraisal exists, an estimate for roof and structural repairs, whether the building can house the intended students without additional general-fund outlays, and a procedural deadline tied to the state allocation.

Board member discussion focused on near-term risks and tradeoffs. Several members pressed staff to obtain a fresh appraisal and to present a facilities plan showing where students would be housed if the district did not proceed with the purchase. One member warned that buying a building with a failing roof could shift long-term costs to the district's general fund.

Some members argued the district should accept the appropriation and move quickly because the funding was intended for that specific building. "We should not be sending $375,000 back if the board chose not to purchase the building," one member said, urging the committee to preserve the appropriation. Others said they wanted a site visit before a vote and asked staff to provide a clear list of deferred maintenance items and cost estimates.

Action and next steps: The committee voted to move the appropriation recommendation to the full board so that staff could return with (1) an appraisal or evidence of current market valuation, (2) a list of required repairs and cost estimates (roof, utilities, accessibility), and (3) a plan showing whether the district can house the affected students without the purchase. The motion was moved and seconded at the committee meeting and is now scheduled for full-board consideration.

Funding and oversight: According to the committee record, the $375,000 is state-appropriated money intended for acquisition and maintenance; if the board declines to buy the property staff said they would apply the funds to other allowable projects rather than returning them to the state. The committee asked staff to preserve documentation of appraisal, lease/purchase terms, and any deadlines to ensure compliance with the funder’s conditions.

The full board will receive the committee’s recommendation and the additional due diligence documents before any final appropriation or purchase is approved.