Dozens of construction projects still are on the books for the Lafayette Parish School System, creating a wide-ranging list that includes everything from new paint to repairing air conditioning systems to more parking.
Some of the largest projects will be paid for out of a nearly $30 million bond the school board approved back in 2012. Although that money has already paid for significant additions, especially at Green T. Lindon Elementary and Youngsville Middle, more phases of those projects still are set to take place. Work has also taken place at other school sites, but is still wrapping up. The bond projects still to be completed include:
–More additions and renovations at Green T. Lindon, costing about $476,140
–Additions and renovations at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy, costing $705,766. This is expected to include more student parking, an expanded engineering lab and a new science wing.
–More additions and renovations at Youngsville Middle, costing $755,746
–Additions and renovations at L.J. Alleman Middle, costing more than $2 million. This will include a new cafeteria/auditorium.
–Renovations at Lafayette High, costing more than $1.1 million, including bathroom renovations and an addition for band and chorus storage.
The district also has a capital improvements fund, with more than $11.3 million, thanks to a combination of tax revenues and money that’s rolled over from previous years. Among the projects from that fund that have started, or are expected to start before June 30 are:
–$190,060 to change air conditioning in classrooms at S.J. Montgomery Elementary
–$68,400 for a blacktop gravel driveway at Lafayette High
–$600,000 for online testing devices for standardized tests
–$75,000 for various playground equipment
Other capital improvements projects that are on the list, but still a ways off, include $150,000 for computer labs at Carencro High’s Academy of Information Technology, $20,000 for security cameras at Milton Elementary/Middle and $10,000 for more parking at Westside Elementary.
In addition, a self-funded construction fund also provides nearly $17.8 million for other projects. Among those that have already started or are scheduled to start before June 30 are $22,500 for a covered walkway at Ernest Gallet Elementary, $502,844 for Career Center renovations and $180,000 for a car rider lane and more teacher parking at Milton Elementary/Middle.
Other self-funded construction projects that are on the list, with no definite estimated start date, include:
–$160,000 for new gym bleachers at Edgar Martin Middle
–$175,000 to expand faculty parking at Carencro Heights Elementary
–$200,000 for a soccer field at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy
–$125,000 to convert the L.J. Alleman cafeteria to a room for class/lab for PARCC testing
–$275,000 for a library extension/wing at L. Leo Judice Elementary
–$42,000 for more parking at Lafayette High, and a first responders entry
–$42,700 for expanded walkways at Lafayette High
