The Concordia Parish School Board is taking steps to secure funding for a $5.5 million renovation project at Ferriday High School. The proposed project aims to modernize the school's exterior and address infrastructure needs, including the relocation of utility lines and parking lot improvements.

Transforming Ferriday High School: A Comprehensive Renovation Plan

Addressing Infrastructure Challenges

The Concordia Parish School Board recognizes the need to address the aging infrastructure at Ferriday High School. More than $1.4 million of the project's cost is dedicated to moving unsightly utility lines and electrical lines underground, as well as resurfacing the parking lot and adding an additional lot for bus parking. These infrastructure upgrades will not only improve the school's appearance but also enhance the overall functionality and accessibility of the campus.

Modernizing the Exterior Design

The school district has hired the M3A Architecture firm based in Jackson to design improvements that will give Ferriday High School a fresh, modern look. The renovation project includes painting the building in cool gray colors, installing shade structures and outdoor seating areas, and enhancing the gymnasium entrance with glowing event center lights and a sidewalk and plaza in front. These aesthetic enhancements will create a more inviting and visually appealing campus for students, staff, and the community.

Securing Funding through Limited Tax Bonds

The $5.5 million renovation project cannot be funded without financial assistance, according to the school district's business affairs director, Tom O'Neal. To address this, the Concordia Parish School Board has approved a limited tax bond resolution, which will allow the district to borrow the necessary funds without increasing taxes.The limited tax bonds are secured by a pledge of existing tax revenue, which the school district already generates through a 10-year tax millage that produces approximately $2 million annually. The debt service for the bond is estimated to be around $600,000 per year, a manageable figure within the district's financial capabilities.

Navigating the Legal and Financial Processes

The school board's resolution has employed J. Hardy Andrews of Foley & Judell LLP in Baton Rouge as the bond counsel to handle the necessary legal work for issuing the bonds. This includes reporting to the state bond commission and producing all closing documents required for the bond issuance.Additionally, the resolution has engaged a "municipal advisor" from Argent Advisers in Ruston to act as a financial advisor to the district throughout the process. This ensures that the school board has the necessary expertise and guidance to navigate the complex financial aspects of the renovation project.

Leveraging Federal Funding for Improvements

It's worth noting that Ferriday High School has recently received new windows through federal Cares Act funds, demonstrating the district's proactive approach to securing additional resources for the school's improvement. The current renovation project builds upon these previous efforts, further enhancing the overall quality and functionality of the school's facilities.The Concordia Parish School Board's commitment to the Ferriday High School renovation project reflects its dedication to providing a modern and well-equipped learning environment for the students and the community. By securing limited tax bond funding and leveraging federal resources, the district is taking a strategic and comprehensive approach to transforming the school's infrastructure and exterior, ensuring a brighter future for Ferriday High School.