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Lafayette Parish board approves new K‑8 campus on JW Falk site
Summary
The Lafayette Parish School Board voted unanimously to build a new K‑8 facility on the JW Falk Elementary site and to merge students from three schools into the new campus; board members said the project responds to long-standing facility needs on the North Side of Lafayette.
The Lafayette Parish School Board on Sept. 16 voted unanimously to approve construction of a new K‑8 facility on the site of JW Falk Elementary and to merge students from Paulborough Middle School, JW Falk Elementary and Dr. Rafael Barranco Elementary into the new campus.
Board member Miss Strahan moved the measure and Mr. Josh Edmond seconded it; the motion carried on a voice vote. Superintendent Tushet said the new school is expected to seat about 1,200 to 1,300 students. Miss Gorner, a district staff member, told the board the three existing schools currently enroll a combined 974 students.
Why it matters: board members and community speakers said the project addresses decades of deferred facility repairs on Lafayette’s North Side and aims to keep students in a single K‑8 pathway rather than losing them between elementary and middle school. Supporters said a single new building would improve morale, program continuity and long‑term planning for the area.
Public comment and board discussion
Forrest Chasson, president of the 100 Black Men of Greater Lafayette, thanked the board and urged a…
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