During its Feb. 3 committee meeting, the Natchitoches Parish School Board explored a proposal to lease the former Goldonna school campus to the local village, while also discussing a strategic shift in teacher recruitment aimed at “growing our own.”
Mayor Cloud of Goldonna presented a proposal to the board to lease the grounds and facilities of the former Goldonna Elementary and Junior High School. The plan, which would involve a 11-page cooperative endeavor agreement (CEA), aims to transform the vacant property into a multipurpose community hub.
Cloud outlined several potential uses for the facility, including:
- A library and after-school tutoring center.
- An indoor exercise facility and walking path in the gymnasium.
- A venue for revivals, beauty pageants, and family clinics.
- Space for flea markets and small business vendors.
If the board approves the lease at next week’s meeting, the Village of Goldonna would then move to hold a municipal election to pass a one-cent sales tax specifically to fund the facility’s operations. Board members expressed interest in the plan, citing successful similar conversions.
After its conversion, the Dry Prong Junior High facility now houses a restaurant with a wood-burning pizza oven, law offices, and community spaces, proving that old school buildings can remain the heartbeat of a rural town even after the students have moved on.
To make this vision a reality, the Village of Goldonna must be able to afford the insurance, utilities, and upkeep of the buildings. The School Board would lease the property to the Village (likely for a nominal fee). A one-cent sales tax (paid by anyone shopping within the village limits) would be dedicated specifically to the “Goldonna Public Campus” fund.
In her first report as Director of Human Resources, Ramona Wynder told the board that the district’s future recruitment efforts will focus more on Natchitoches Parish students rather than national searches.
“The majority of our future teachers are sitting in our classrooms right now,” Wynder said, noting that research shows 60 percent of teachers eventually work within a 20-mile radius of where they attended high school.
The strategy aims to be more cost-effective and specifically addresses teacher burnout by encouraging local talent to reinvent themselves within the district. Wynder also announced a new digital “transfer portal” for employees to handle transfers, retirements, and sabbaticals efficiently.
The board revisited the agricultural lease for 330 acres in the Cloutierville area, which has sat vacant for several months following a lack of bids. Dr. Eloi noted that a constituent claimed only 280 of the 330 acres are actually farmable, which may have hindered previous bidding due to the per-acre minimum price. Board member recommendations included potentially converting the land to government-sponsored wetlands or hunting leases if agricultural interest remains low. The board scheduled a deeper discussion for next week regarding the management of existing hunting leases, with a focus on ensuring they do not legally block more lucrative oil and gas opportunities in the future.
Other Board Business:
- BESE Waiver: Dr. Eloi confirmed the district has requested a waiver for instructional minutes lost during the January ice storm to avoid adding makeup days to the calendar.
- ITAP Representative: The board moved to designate Superintendent Eloi as the official representative for the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITAP).
- Maintenance: Playground equipment for L.P. Vaughn is on schedule for a March installation.
- Executive Session: The board prepared for an executive session next week to discuss ongoing litigation involving Natchitoches Parish School Board vs. Lloyd’s of London.
Official votes on these items will take place at the regular board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10.