I would like to take this opportunity to differentiate the original bond issue that was voted on in 2017 and the upcoming election proposition for August 15, 2020. Reverend Harris and myself have done our best to be as transparent as possible as to how the tax payers money has been spent since going into effect. The original $7.2 million bond that passed in 2017 took care of all of the upgrades listed below for Lakeview, Goldonna & Fairview campuses.

Completed Items

1.  Fairview Elementary / Jr. High School
* New LED lighting
* New air conditioning system
* New playground equipment on both playgrounds
* New LED sign in front of the school
* Paint for interior of school
* Wax for the floors
* Tennis balls for the desks, chairs and tables to protect the floors
* Lawn Mower
* Softball field
* Upcoming walking track

2.  Lakeview Jr./ Sr. High School
* New LED lighting
* New air conditioning system
* New LED sign in front of the school
* New Culinary arts kitchen
* Newly renovated restrooms throughout campus
* Newly renovated of Football field
* Newly renovated all weather 8-lane track
* New sprinkler system
* Newly renovated boy’s ballpark, restroom, concession and press box
* Newly built girl’s ballpark, restroom, concession and press box
* Newly renovated Multipurpose weight room
* New sidewalks around the campus
* Activity bus

3.  Goldonna Elementary / Jr. High School
* Newly renovated roof for auditorium
* Newly renovated roof for lower building
*New air conditioning system in the auditorium
* New air conditioning system in the cafeteria
* New walk-in freezer and cooler for cafeteria
* New sidewalk canopies
* New floor tile throughout campus
* New parking lot
* Newly renovated faculty bathroom
* Newly renovated student bathrooms throughout campus
* Newly placed entrance / exit in upper building
* New basketball court
* New playground area

Incomplete Items

Fairview
* Sidewalks and walking path from parking lot to ballfield back around to the main building
* Cosmetic updates to the restrooms on campus

Goldonna
* Security fence around campus
* Renovate roof on the office building

Where the original bond was to update each of the campuses, the upcoming proposition for 12 millage if passed will be solely dedicated to the maintenance and upkeep of buildings and grounds including air conditioner, roof, heating repairs, equipment repairs, all of which is to keep our facilities in good working order and conditions and safe for the students, faculty and staff. The proposed millage will be in effect for the next 10 years with every cent being used strictly on the maintenance and upkeep of the facilities and absolutely no funding from this millage will go toward any employee.

The current millage will expire at midnight December 31, 2020. If this proposition is not renewed/passed, it is with 100% certainty the three facilities will deteriorate and have no funding to upkeep and maintain. It is critical that we anticipate the needs required to maintain our schools now and vote to pass the proposed millage. For the past 50+ years, the millage has been set at 7 mills, which has not met the needs of upkeep, therefore we are seeking an increase of 5 mills to be added to the previous 7 mills for a total of 12 mills to ensure adequate funds to maintain and upkeep the three schools.

Since the public hearings, there have been some concerns brought to our attention such as the need for a new girls softball field at Lakeview. Originally the plans were to renovate the old softball field, where restrooms and concession stands had fallen apart. During the process, however the administrator, architect and coaches decided it would be more feasible to build a new softball field where it provides access to parking spaces that are already in place and puts the new field closer while making cuts in other areas to allow this change.

Reverend Harris and myself would like to thank each of you in advance for your support. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us directly so that we can answer your concerns.

Please see the attached flyer for quick Q&A information about the proposition.

Eugean Garner
Natchitoches Parish School Board Member