West Saint Mary prioritizes basketball goals, hot water and paint from $12,500 allocation

Representatives for West Saint Mary and the neighboring B Boudreaux school told the Maintenance District 1 committee they prefer to reallocate a $12,500 capital allotment toward athletic and safety items rather than a marquee sign.

Speaker 13, speaking for West Saint Mary, said the school wants to use $12,000 of the available funds to replace competition basketball goals and use the remaining $500 (plus other local adjustments) to cover related needs. The school also requested $10,000 to enable hot-water access at concession stands and the competition gym; the committee earmarked that amount with the understanding that if the project costs less, leftover money will remain available to the school.

The clerk confirmed that $25,000 for a marquee had been set aside in prior capital planning and that the board would not reallocate those funds. Members also confirmed a $1,100 allotment for paint to be used with volunteer painting efforts.

Board members discussed trade-offs and encouraged schools to use maintenance staff and volunteers where feasible to stretch funds. The committee recorded motions to proceed with the West Saint Mary priorities and directed maintenance staff to earmark the specified amounts and report back on costs and next steps.

The action allows West Saint Mary to move forward with initial purchases and to retain any unused portion for other school needs, pending final vendor quotes and work orders.