June 2024

MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS BEGINNING THIS SUMMER

Livingston Parish Public Schools has begun construction on three major construction projects this summer – the construction of the new South Fork Junior High School in Walker, the new cafeteria and classroom wing for Albany Upper and Lower Elementary Schools, and the new gymnasium at Live Oak Junior High. All three projects are expected to be completed for the 2025-2026 school year.

“It is exciting to see this much construction in the district. Our parish is continuing to grow and these new facilities will enhance the learning environments on those campuses,” Superintendent Jody Purvis said.

The new South Fork Junior High School will share the campus with South Fork Elementary, located at 23300 Walker South Road.  The new $25 million school is expected to house 800 students when it opens. The new campus will share the cafeteria kitchen facility with the elementary school, but all other facilities will be separate.

Architectural rendering of the new South Fork Junior High

The new Albany cafeteria will occupy the space of a former classroom wing on the Upper Elementary campus.  The current cafeteria will remain in operation until the new one is completed, and at that time, it will be renovated for other educational space.

The new cafeteria will have a greater seating capacity, allowing the two schools to serve lunch simultaneously in separate dining areas, thereby improving each school’s daily schedule. The new wing will also include four classrooms and student bathrooms. The project, which is expected to cost $7 million, is being funded with a dedicated half-cent sales tax that was approved by local voters.

Architectural rendering of new Albany Cafeteria

The new Live Oak Junior High gym will replace the facility that burned in 2022. The new facility will include a regulation court, bathrooms, team lockers and a concessions area. The construction costs are being paid with insurance monies and local school district funding. The total build out is expected to be $4.7 million.

Architectural rendering of new Live Oak Junior High Gym

The new Live Oak Junior High gym will replace the facility that burned in 2022. The new facility will include a regulation court, bathrooms, team lockers and a concessions area. The construction costs are being paid with insurance monies and local school district funding. The total build out is expected to be $4.7 million.

 

RESTORATION OF DSHS HALLWAY UNDERWAY AFTER ARSON ATTACK

Repairs are underway in the English Hall of Denham Springs High School.

District maintenance workers have begun making repairs and replacing damaged items inside the English Hallway at Denham Springs High School, following an arson attack on the school earlier this month.

The fire incident occurred after all students and employees were dismissed for the summer break.  Law enforcement officials recently completed their investigation of the matter, and they are in search of the suspect.

LPPS Maintenance Director Jerry Glascock said that while the fire did not cause structural damage to the facility, it did cause more than $1 million worth of smoke and heat damage.  Much of the hallway’s ceiling tiles, flooring and walls must be replaced, as well as lighting fixtures and electrical wiring that was damaged by the heat.

Glascock said the repairs will be completed in July, allowing the facility to open with the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

 

ALBANY LOWER ELEMENTARY NAMED SADD CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

Pictured from left to right, are Albany Lower Elementary SADD members Olivia Calderone, Nadia Stock, Seth Murray, Cole Onellion, Karter Craig, Autumn Montana, Rory Piper, Kenneth Salomon, Brenlee Simpson, Reece Umbach, Amelia Wells, Brantley Cook, Mason Emmett, Keith Jacobs, and James “Kyle” Stewart. Sponsor Ashley Director is pictured in the back.

Albany Lower Elementary was named the 2023-2024 SADD Elementary Chapter of the Year for its efforts to educate students about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Students Against Destructive Decisions is a national organization that supports efforts to empower and mobilize students and adult allies to engage in positive change through leadership and smart decision-making.

Ashley Director is the school’s SADD sponsor. She has served in that capacity for the past seven years.

 

SUPERINTENDENT PURVIS HEARS FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS DURING COFFEE SESSIONS

Superintendent Jody Purvis meets with community members at CC’s Coffee House in Denham Springs.

Superintendent Jody Purvis recently held a series of public coffee sessions across the parish to give community members an opportunity to meet him and share questions and concerns they may have about the district or their particular schools.

“I appreciate those in our communities who took time to meet with me and share information,” Purvis said. “It’s this kind of open-air environment that I hope we can instill at every level in our system to allow best ideas to come forward.”