The Beauregard Parish School Board has called for an election to authorize issuing $30,000,000 of 20-year general obligation bonds for construction, acquisition, renovations, and improvements to school facilities throughout the parish without raising taxes. The issue will be placed before the voters on the May 3, 2025, ballot.
The bonds will be payable from ad valorem taxes with no increase in the millage rate. The board receives a portion of the parish property taxes which is used to pay for bonds and interest when the bonds mature.
No new taxes are required for this bond proposition since there is sufficient revenue in the current millage to repay the bonds. The current rate of 17.8 mills can cover the current bonds and the new bond premiums and interest.
The school board approved a Capital Improvement Plan at the April board meeting to address needs at the schools with this bond proposition.
“The 2025 bonds will be used to construct new facilities, to upgrade others, and to provide technology updates for the schools” said Superintendent Larry Hollie.
The projects include a new school at South Beauregard High School with acquisition of land, reclaiming the oxidation pond, and a new parking lot.
DeRidder Junior High will have a renovated front of gymnasium, upgrades to the locker rooms and cafeteria, exterior painting, and a courtyard cover.
Pine Wood Elementary will get a dedicated band hall, AC unit upgrades and AC in the hallways, a parking lot, and an addition to the bus awning.
Merryville High School will have a renovated junior high building, renovations to the auditorium and gymnasium, and drainage for the campus.
Singer High School will have a renovated library, new gymnasium locker rooms, renovated softball and baseball fields, two additional classrooms, and track equipment.
East Beauregard schools will have an expanded and remodeled cafeteria, a remodeled classroom hallway, and renovated auditorium.
K.R. Hanchey will receive AC in the hallways and a new parking lot.
Technology upgrades for parish schools are also included in the bond. Additional projects will be considered pending availability of funding.
“With the implementation of this Capital Improvement Plan, we will be able to provide our students with facilities that will benefit them for many years to come without increasing taxes to do so. We believe this is a win-win situation for all stakeholders in Beauregard Parish education.”
Voting for the School Board Bond Proposition will be held May 3, 2025, with early voting on April 19-26, 2025.
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