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School board rejects ag-lease bids, conditionally approves hunting leases
Summary
The board voted to reject agricultural lease bids and re-advertise to address board concerns; it also provisionally accepted highest hunting-lease bids contingent on winners agreeing to a revised lease with stricter insurance, no subleasing and a fixed end date of June 30, 2026.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board on Sept. 15 voted to reject current bids for the agricultural lease of Nash Prairie properties and to re-advertise the lease with adjusted guidance. The motion to reject and re-advertise was offered and seconded and passed by roll-call vote with one abstention recorded.
On a separate but related item, the board conditionally accepted the highest bids for hunting leases, subject to each bidder signing a revised lease that includes a term expiring June 30, 2026; more stringent liability insurance requirements; a prohibition on subleasing; and a clause that the hunting lease is subordinate to any superior oil-and-gas leasing rights. A consultant explained staff would make the revised lease available for bidders to review and sign and that the board could invite concerned parties to discuss terms. The conditional acceptance passed by roll-call vote with one recorded 'no' and one abstention.
Board members said the actions are intended to ensure due diligence, protect district assets and set minimum bid guidance appropriate to local conditions before reissuing agricultural leases.
Sources: Finance/facilities agenda items and consultant remarks during the Sept. 15 meeting.
