By Samantha Maiette

Schools around the parish are receiving necessary upgrades before the start of the 2018-2019 school year. These upgrades are expected to cost the district almost $3 million.

The school board bid out roughly $1.5 million to repair HVAC and electrical systems at Lakeview, Fairview and Goldonna. Lakeview and Goldonna are also receiving other upgrades.

Lakeview is improving its football field with an irrigation system as well as a new field itself. Head Coach Brandon Helms mentioned that the field “was getting to the point that it was almost unplayable.” The field upgrades will cost the school board $124,795.

Lakeview is not the only school receiving other upgrades, Goldonna will upgrade their buildings, install new carpet, roofs, walk-in coolers and install a parking lot drainage and a covered play area. These upgrades will cost the district a little over $1.2 million.

“Better climate control and better control of cost [will help] control the amount of repair, because you can take that money and spend it elsewhere,” said Richard Foshee, supervisor of business affairs.

Other upgrades will bid out within the next month. These pending items include a digital marquee sign at Fairview and Lakeview, a camera system expansion at all three schools, a intercom/bell system update at Goldonna and Lakeview and new playgrounds at Goldonna and Fairview.

Upgrades are expected to be completed before the start of school.