The Terrebonne Parish School Board on Wednesday approved a one‑year waiver for the UDP Track Club to use Terrebonne High School's track for practices only from Jan. 8, 2025 through Jan. 8, 2026, provided the group meets insurance, nonprofit and school principal approval requirements.

The vote followed an extended discussion of scheduling and community use. Board members asked the club's coach about coordination with school athletics and past instances in which heavy outside use of facilities led to staffing and scheduling problems.

Coach Mr. Thibodeaux, identified in the meeting as organizer of the nonprofit UDP Track Club, told the board the winter program currently has five participants and the larger summer program typically enrolls about 10 committed athletes. “We charge a fee like $200, and we do 10 track meets,” Thibodeaux said, adding that his nonprofit covers most costs for athletes who qualify. He described long‑running success sending students to college on track scholarships and said his organization emphasizes academics as well as athletics.

Several board members praised the club's record but emphasized that school programs must take priority. “We allow people to use our facilities,” said Board Member Roger DeHart, “but I want to make sure our students are not put aside.” DeHart cited a past incident in which heavy outside use contributed to difficulties at a high school athletic program.

Board Member Michael Lagarde and others described first‑hand examples of athletes who progressed to college through work with the coach's program. Board Member Debbie Benoit asked for the meaning of the UDP acronym; the organizer replied it stands for “United Development Protect.”

At least one board member asked the superintendent or principals to ensure schedules are coordinated so school practices and teams maintain priority. Board members also noted the waiver was conditioned on approval by the school's principal and on meeting the board’s facility‑use policy requirements.

The motion, moved and seconded during the superintendent's agenda, passed with no recorded roll‑call tally in the transcript; the clerk announced only that there were no objections and the motion carried.

The waiver allows weekday practice use only; competition or weekend events were not authorized in the motion on the record. The board noted principals retain scheduling authority and must approve any use that conflicts with school activities.