The Natchitoches Parish School Board discussed a proposed project that could bring millions of dollars in improvements to the Natchitoches Central High School baseball facilities during its committee meeting Tuesday, Nov. 10.
The proposed improvements would be funded through a donation from an anonymous donor and would include installing artificial turf on the baseball field, renovating the batting cages and pitching areas, and adding facilities similar to those available to the school’s football program.
Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi described the donation as potentially worth millions of dollars and expressed appreciation to the donor for supporting the school’s baseball program.
Eloi also recognized Coach Coleman and Coach Dana for their work with the school’s athletic programs, noting that their efforts helped create an environment where someone would be willing to make such a significant contribution.
The board discussed a cooperative endeavor agreement and ground and facility lease involving the Central Louisiana Community Foundation.
Legal counsel explained that the proposed arrangement would allow the donation to be managed through the foundation rather than being given directly to the school board. Under the agreement, the foundation would lease the property from the school board for the duration of construction and serve as the project owner. The foundation would oversee construction contracts while the school board would maintain involvement in the planning and construction process. Once the project is completed, the improvements would return to the school board, along with applicable construction warranties.
The arrangement includes provisions intended to protect the district throughout construction.
Board members also discussed the importance of ensuring the district’s maintenance department remains involved in overseeing the project.
During the discussion, board members raised several questions about the project’s long-term impact, including the durability of the artificial turf, construction warranties and future maintenance responsibilities. The contractor would be required to carry builder’s risk insurance during construction. Following completion, applicable warranties would be transferred to the school board.
Board members also expressed concerns about drainage and elevation changes, particularly how improvements to the baseball field could affect surrounding athletic facilities. Officials said the project team would evaluate existing elevations and drainage conditions before construction. The discussion included concerns about previous construction projects that affected drainage near the softball facilities.
District officials emphasized the importance of completing the improvements properly to ensure the facilities remain usable for years to come. The superintendent said the district’s attorneys had worked to include protections in the proposed agreements to address potential construction issues and protect the school board’s interests.
During the meeting, board members identified references to different foundations in the draft agreements. The project had originally involved a different foundation before transitioning to the Central Louisiana Community Foundation. The documents will be corrected before the voting meeting.
Eloi encouraged board members to submit any additional questions or concerns before Thursday so they could be addressed prior to consideration of the agreement.
The proposed cooperative endeavor agreement and lease are scheduled for a vote during the Natchitoches Parish School Board’s regular meeting Thursday, Nov. 12.
No construction start date or completion timeline was announced during the committee meeting.