Ville Platte-   Mike Holt, a representative with the architectural firm of Yeager and Watson of Alexandria, had some good news about the construction project at Ville Platte High School. He announced that the 18 month renovation project is substantially complete.

     The 3 million dollar program involved improvements to the school offices, restrooms, gymnasium, auditorium and other areas.

     Holt said the contractor has a punch list to complete within the next 45 days.

      The Ville Platte High project , in the facilities area, was the last factor, in the overall federal desegregation case before the Evangeline School District can be declared  unitary  and be free from federal oversight. Superintendent of Schools Toni Hamlin told the school board that representatives from the United States Justice Department will be visiting the school in the near future to review the work.

    In other business, the school board approved amending a motion by Board Member Jerry Hoffpauir to advertise for quotes for the board’s transportation contract for a three year period. The original agenda item called to extend the present contract with current transportation provider, First Student.  The vote was 10-3 with board members Nancy Hamlin, Peggy Forman and Lonnie Sonnier voting against the amendment.

    First Student’s current two year contract is costing the school board $2.3 million dollars a year.  February 3 will be the deadline for private transportation companies to turn in their quotes.

    School Board Business Manager Amy LaFleur reported on the sales tax excess distributions to employees. This year, full time degreed personnel will receive $2681 which is about $281 less than last year. Full time support personnel will receive $1204 each which is $126 less than last year. The checks will be issued on November 18.

   Superintendent of Schools Toni Hamlin said a firm is interested in leasing property from the school board and other property owners along LA 13 west of Mamou to erect a wind farm. The company, Reliable Land Services, is doing a study to determine the feasibility of erecting 400 foot tall  windmills to generate electricity along that area and another area in Jeff Davis and Acadia Parishes

    In other action the school board:

--approved only one meeting  each in December and January due to the holidays: December 14 and January 18;

--received news that sales tax collections for October increased by $47,848 over the same period a year ago.