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Saint Mary Parish board approves repurposing Franklin Junior High as Park Avenue Learning Center and consolidates maintenance
Summary
The board approved relocating the district's alternative program to the former Franklin Junior High (to be renamed Park Avenue Learning Center), centralizing maintenance and technology functions, and reallocating $163,500 for building upgrades plus $60,000 for electrical and security work. An amendment tasks the superintendent to study moving special education offices to the central office.
On July 2, 2026, the Saint Mary Parish School Board voted to relocate the district's alternative program to the former Franklin Junior High and to rename the campus the Park Avenue Learning Center, reallocating district maintenance funds for renovations and centralizing maintenance operations.
Board President Miss Montgomery presented the Land & Building Committee's recommendation to move the alternative program from the former Bordenville site to the Franklin Junior High campus, with upgrades including paint, flooring and restroom fixtures. The committee recommended transferring $163,500 previously allocated for the old alternative site to make those upgrades, and using an additional $60,000 for electrical and security improvements, the board was told.
Maintenance and operations staff told the board they had multiple contractors lined up and could begin work immediately on board approval. "The contractors that we have are ready to start tomorrow, on board approval this evening," the Maintenance Director said, adding contractors will coordinate painting, floor work and plumbing while district maintenance handles bathroom fixtures.
The plan also centralizes maintenance functions that had been spread across three locations, consolidating personnel and equipment at the Park Avenue site to improve inventory control and efficiency. Technology staff will move from the MOC facility back to the central office so the MOC in Morgan City can be used exclusively for federally funded programs, the superintendent said.
Several board members raised community concerns about the West End site. "Park Avenue holds a special place on the West End's heart, and I don't want to move forward unless all of those things were considered by you guys," Miss Anselm said. Superintendent Doctor Sanders said staff had discussed community concerns and would consider them in plans.
Miss Anselm also moved to amend the committee's recommendation to authorize Doctor Sanders to study the feasibility and cost of relocating the special education office (SPED) back to the central office. Mister Mancuso seconded the amendment; the board approved the motion as amended on a voice vote.
Next steps: with the board's approval, contractors may begin mobilizing and the superintendent's office will report back with feasibility information on any SPED office relocation and final cost details for the Park Avenue upgrades.
