By Carolyn Roy, carolyn@natchitochestimes.com
Voters in Natchitoches Parish School District 9, which includes the city schools, will vote Saturday on whether to fund improvements to those schools. Those schools include Weaver Elementary, East Natchitoches Elementary, Frankie Ray Jackson Technical Center, Natchitoches Magnet School, NSU E-Lab and NSU Middle Lab, L.P. Vaughn Elementary, Natchitoches Jr. High and Natchitoches Central High School. There are some 4,300 students in those schools. There will be one proposition on the ballot Saturday, whether to approve a $19.7 million 20-year bond issue.
The first year will be a levy of 8 mills. (see chart) below
The bond issue will focus on the following: •Major facility and building stems upgrades at District 9 campuses •Enhancement of campus security fencing and systems •Energy and maintenance savings •Repairs and modernization •Renovations and additions to the Natchitoches Jr. High and Natchitoches Central •Mechanical, electrical and communication upgrades that are at least 20 years old •Outdoor activity space •Inadequate bathrooms, old gym bleachers, worn out parking lot and track and concession facility at Natchitoches Jr. High •Additional classroom space at Natchitoches Central High school where the school has outgrown the field house.
There is no grandstand nor restroom/concessions facility at the football field. Homestead exemption will apply to the proposal. For example, for a home valued at $100,000 would cost the property owner $20 per year.
A home valued at $300,000 would cost the property owner $180 per year.
“It’s all for the children,” Supt. of Schools Dale Skinner said.
NATCHITOCHES PARISH SCHOOL DISTRICT 9 IMPROVEMENTS
• M. R. Weaver Elementary:
• Improve Parking Lot Drainage
• Miscellaneous Roof Repairs
• Renovate Restrooms throughout School
• Change out Carpet for Tile Floors
• Replace Selected Kitchen Appliances
• Update Campus Security Fencing
• Upgrade Camera & Security Systems
• Update Communications Systems
• Replace Boiler & Cooling Tower
• Upgrade AC System & Controls
• Retrofit Interior School Lighting to LED
• New Outdoor Playground Set
East Natchitoches Elementary:
• Miscellaneous Roof Repairs
• Renovate Restrooms throughout School
• Change out Carpet for Tile Floors
• Replace Wood Gymnasium Floor
• Replace Selected Kitchen Appliances
• Update Campus Security Fencing
• Upgrade Camera & Security Systems
• Update Communications Systems
• Replace Boiler & Cooling Tower
• Upgrade AC System & Controls
• Retrofit Interior School Lighting to LED
• Renovate Outdoor Play Courts
• Install New Outdoor Basketball Goals
FRJTC:
• Renovate Restrooms throughout School
• Change out Carpet for Tile Floors
• Update Campus Security Fencing
• Upgrade Camera & Security Systems
• Update Communications Systems
• Retrofit Interior School Lighting to LED
• Renovate Outdoor Play Court
• Install New Basketball Goals
Natchitoches Magnet School:
• Miscellaneous Roof Repairs
• Renovate Restrooms throughout School
• Change out Carpet for Tile Floors
• Replace Selected Kitchen Appliances
• Update Campus Security Fencing
• Upgrade Camera & Security Systems
• Update Communications Systems
• Replace Boiler & Cooling Tower
• Upgrade AC System & Controls
• Retrofit Interior School Lighting to LED
• New Outdoor Playground Set
NSUE & NSUM:
• New Interactive Smart Boards
• New Computers
• Install Camera & Security Systems
L. P. Vaughn Elementary:
• Miscellaneous Roof Repairs
• Renovate Restrooms throughout School
• Change out Carpet for Tile Floors
• Replace Selected Kitchen Appliances
• Update Campus Security Fencing
• Upgrade Camera & Security Systems
• Update Communications Systems
• Replace Boiler & Cooling Tower
• Upgrade AC System & Controls
• Retrofit Interior School Lighting to LED
• Install Additional Covered Walkway
• New Outdoor Playground Set
Natchitoches Junior High — FRJ:
• Renovate Restrooms throughout School
• New Restroom Addition
• Replace Gymnasium Bleachers
• Update Campus Security Fencing
• Upgrade Camera & Security Systems
• Update Communications Systems
• Retrofit Interior School Lighting to LED
• Renovate Outdoor Play Courts
• Install New Outdoor Basketball Goals
• New Football Restroom & Concessions Building
• Repair and Resurface Track
• Re-Crown & Seed Football Field
• Repair & Overlay Asphalt Parking Lot
Natchitoches Central High School:
• New 8 Classroom Wing Building A
• New Athletics Fieldhouse B
• New Grandstand C and Restroom & Concessions Building D at Track
• Renovate Existing Fieldhouse for Spring Sports
• Renovate Boys & Girls Basketball Locker Rooms
• Renovate Girls Softball Locker Room
• Re-Crown & Seed Football Field
• Renovate Restrooms throughout School
• Change out Carpet for Tile Floors
• Add Coolers & Freezers at Kitchen & Replace Selected Appliances
• Update Campus Security Fencing
• Upgrade Camera & Security Systems
• Update Communications Systems
• Replace Boiler & Cooling Tower
• Upgrade AC System & Controls
• Retrofit Interior School Lighting to LED
DISTRICT 9 SCHOOL BENEFITS
• Major AC, Electrical & Communication System Upgrades
• Major Upgrades to Restrooms, Kitchens & other Support Facilities
• Campus Security Enhancement
• Priority Repairs
• Energy & Maintenance Savings
• Necessary Modernization of Facilities
• New Buildings for Academics, Athletics & Public Use at the Junior High and High School
• Overall Enhancement of the Educational Environment