School board approves bus lease for South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center summer camp

The Terrebonne Parish School Board approved a lease allowing the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center to use school district buses during its annual swamp camp, effective June 2–19, 2025.

The lease, recommended by the facilities committee, authorizes district buses and drivers to transport campers on weekday field trips around the estuary. The agreement includes a mileage reimbursement provision described in the committee recommendation as a fee equal to 50% of $2.50 per mile, requires school‑board‑approved drivers and insurance, and authorizes the board president to sign any related documents.

Samantha Hicks, representing the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, described the program: "This is our annual swamp camp program, and each year, we ask to lease the bus because with our camp, we like to take the kids out on daily field trips throughout the estuary." Hicks said the camp serves about 25 campers per week, with roughly six counselors, and runs three separate weeks in June.

Board members asked operational and equity questions. Board member Ford asked whether campers are Terrebonne Parish residents; Hicks replied the majority attend Terrebonne Parish schools but a few participants come from outside the parish. Ford suggested the district consider covering the bus cost because the camp serves district students; another board member offered to pay personally if the district could not. Board member Bison cautioned that providing free use for one outside organization could create precedent for other groups seeking district buses.

Committee members moved and seconded the item and, with no objection recorded, the board moved forward with the lease recommendation. The agenda summary and committee recommendation document the agreement terms and authorizations; the meeting record did not include a roll-call vote tally.