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Board approves $2.2 million reallocation to build new PE facility at Milton campus after student pleas
Summary
The Lafayette Parish School Board approved reallocating $2.2 million from the capital improvement HVAC replacement budget to the self-funded construction fund to add a new physical-education facility at Milton campus; the board removed a 30-day architect-selection deadline in an amendment before voting.
The Lafayette Parish School Board voted to reallocate $2,200,000 from the capital-improvement HVAC replacement budget to the self-funded construction fund to add a new physical-education facility at the Milton campus.
The motion was introduced by board member Mr. Hidalgo and was amended during debate to remove a 30-day deadline for the selection of an architect. The amendment to eliminate the specified 30-day architect-selection timeframe was offered by Miss Mason and seconded by Miss Labou; the motion as amended passed on a voice vote. The board did not record individual roll-call votes in the meeting minutes; the chair announced the motion "carries."
Students, coaches and community members addressed the board before the vote. "Adding an athletic space would have a huge impact on our school, especially on teams like ours," said Ellie Gaspar, a seventh grader and co-captain of the Milton Jazz and Jackets dance team, describing the band's cramped practice arrangements in the Band Room. Fourth-grader Luke Bowen told the board he had previously drawn plans for a gym and urged the board to approve the construction for current and future students. "We have to do this. There is no more looking back," said Coach Mitchell, who said she gives the students her full support.
Several students told the board a second gym would reduce conflicts among extracurricular programs — cheer, dance, basketball, volleyball and aftercare — and allow teams to practice safely without displacing others. "Some sports teams are forced to practice in less suitable areas," said Abigail Delahoussay, a student speaker.
Board members publicly discussed the allocation and the district's planning documents. Board member Mr. Badgeron noted the district's optimization plan, which is available online, shows historical investments and enrollment trends; other board members referenced the goal of removing portable classrooms across the district and placing students in permanent classrooms. Superintendent Touchett said that moving quickly to select an architect accelerates the overall project schedule and urged the board to avoid delays.
The motion approved only the reallocation of funds for the new PE facility and did not specify final design details or a contract; the board directed staff to proceed with next steps as appropriate. The action will remove portable classrooms at multiple sites as part of a larger facilities plan, district officials said.
Notes: the motion was approved by voice vote after amendment; the minutes and public record do not contain a roll-call tally of individual yes/no votes.
