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Lafayette Parish board approves new K–8 campus at JW Falk site, plans merge of three schools
Summary
The Lafayette Parish School Board voted to build a new K–8 facility on the JW Falk Elementary site and merge students from Paul Breaux Middle, JW Falk Elementary and Dr. Rafael Baranco Elementary into the new campus; the board said the school would seat about 1,200–1,300 students and carried the motion by voice vote.
The Lafayette Parish School Board on the night of the regular meeting approved construction of a new K–8 school on the site of the current J.W. Falk Elementary School and plans to merge students from Paul Breaux Middle School, J.W. Falk Elementary and Dr. Rafael Baranco Elementary into the campus when it opens.
Board member Strahan moved the measure, Edmond seconded and the board carried the motion by voice vote. The board and administration said the new facility is expected to seat roughly 1,200–1,300 students; district staff reported current combined enrollment at the three schools is 974.
Community speakers urged approval. Forrest Chasson, president of the 100 Black Men of Greater Lafayette, told the board he appreciated its attention to the Northside and asked for a unanimous vote to signal the district’s commitment: “I just hope that the board, will also recognize the need for the school and, that we have a unanimous vote.” The newly installed principal of Paulborough Middle School described the existing building as deteriorated and urged the board to provide students “a place where they can feel proud of and where they can thrive,” saying the current facility is “in deplorable condition.”
Board members framed the vote as an equity and retention measure for Northside students. Board member Strahan described the item as “a long time coming” and several members said they expect the new campus to improve student experience and help keep students in the district.
Financial steps tied to the project also appeared on the board’s consent agenda (see separate summary). At the meeting the chair read several finance items related to district bonding and the selection of underwriters; one consent item referenced preliminary approval of not exceeding $50 million in sales-tax revenue bonds to finance a District 4 community school.
Board members asked questions about capacity planning before the vote. Hidalgo, who stressed caution about future growth, said he supported the project but suggested the board could consider a larger capacity now to avoid the need for an expensive expansion later.
The board invited community partners and residents to join leaders for a group photo after the vote. The district will publish next steps and a timeline for construction in subsequent updates.
