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Board committee reviews Donny Bickham upgrades, transportation hub and multiple property transactions; Pine Valley offer recommended
Summary
Facilities staff updated the committee on completed and planned campus improvements (Walnut Hill, J.S. Clark, Donny Bickham), a multi‑phase transportation hub at 2020 Midway Ave and recent property sales/appraisals. The committee voted to recommend staff accept a $13,000 offer for Pine Valley Elementary.
Facilities staff presented a slate of completed and planned projects and property actions at the Building, Grounds & Security Committee meeting.
Mister Greer detailed enhancements at Walnut Hill Elementary — added serving lines and a planned auditorium (projected ~600 seats) — and J.S. Clark’s phased conversion to a K–8 with cafeteria, gym and a dedicated digital library space. Greer said the Donny Bickham wing bid process is complete and staff is coordinating a groundbreaking targeted for Nov. 17.
Greer also described a planned transportation hub at 2020 Midway Avenue. Phase 1 (abatement/demolition) has been completed; Phase 2 will construct service/parts storage and administrative offices with a projected completion around August 2027; Phase 3 will repurpose the current transportation site. Staff said a new drive to Highway 1 would reduce Old Moransport Road congestion but likely requires turn lanes and coordination with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and municipal partners.
On property activity, Greer listed recent closings and appraisals: Queensborough Elementary (closed Sept. 9 for $1,300,000); Barrett Padilla Academy (closed Sept. 30 for $425,000); Newton Smith Elementary is on a second bid cycle with a minimum of $832,000 (appraised at $1,040,000) and bidding set to close Nov. 13. Appraisals for Blanchard Elementary and 81st Street ECE were completed ($1,060,000 and $949,000 respectively).
Listing agent Laura Brightwell reported additional listings and offers: Stoner Hill listed at $923,000 (about 20 acres), Northside Elementary remains under contract (expected close by Feb. 2026), and Pine Valley Elementary has an offer of $13,000 against a $69,700 listing; the appraiser indicated willingness to sign an adjusted appraisal.
The committee voted to recommend that the full board approve staff acceptance of the $13,000 sale offer for Pine Valley Elementary. The motion was moved, seconded and approved by voice and electronic confirmation.
Board members and staff also discussed logistics for Donny Bickham’s new car drop‑off and bus circulation. Mister White said a single new lane could stack roughly 100 vehicles and a two‑lane configuration about 150; staff emphasized avoiding two‑lane drop‑offs to prevent children crossing active lanes.
