By JIM BUTLER

The Rapides Parish School Board will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday to consider alternatives for future use of Bolton High School.

Options to be discussed and possibly acted on include having pre-K to 12th grade at the school, having 3rd-12th or 6th-12th grade at Bolton Academic and Performing Arts Magnet School beginning next August.

The discussion and possible vote come after the board in March delayed an up or down choice on Bolton’s future use and created an advisory panel to study the matter. The panel finished its work early this month.

A recurring point in the committee report was absence of a premier academic campus on the parish.

Consideration of what to do with Bolton, approaching its 100th year, is a hot topic as the parish moves forward.

In his Better Facilities Strategic Plan, Supt. Jeff Powell proposed a pre K-12 magnet plan and closure of three schools.

Alma Redwine Elementary escaped closure; Phoenix Magnet Elementary, Horseshoe Elementary and Rapides Academy are still on the block.

If the board moves to vote on the motion by Sandra Franklin public comment will be heard before the vote.