One item on the agenda at the Rapides Parish School Board meeting on April 1 was the future of Peabody Magnet High School’s fieldhouse.

The board decided to revert to its earlier plan from a few months ago. This earlier plan involves not touching the bond premium or interest money until the majority of approved projects in District 62 are completed.

Superintendent Jeff Powell explained that there are approximately 14 projects tied to the District 62 bond, which voters have already approved.

The current budget for renovations to the fieldhouse is set at $1.19 million. However, Powell raised a critical issue literally surrounding the building: engineers who assessed the fieldhouse determined that it is located in a flood zone. Consequently, any major renovations to the existing structure (or the construction of a new building) will require the facility to be elevated in accordance with new code and specifications. This necessary modification drives up the overall cost of the project significantly beyond the initial budget.

Powell followed up this explanation with the assurance that once the approved District 62 projects are completed, the board will have a clearer picture of how much additional funding can be reallocated to other projects including the Peabody fieldhouse. Therefore, the funds allocated for the fieldhouse will remain in reserve for now.

Despite several concerns raised by Peabody alumni and a board member, Powell highlighted the district’s record of previous investments at Peabody.

“We’ve done several million dollars’ worth of projects at Peabody,” Powell stated. “They have a brand-new turf field and have seen extensive renovations to the main building over the past couple of years.”

“It’s not being overlooked. It’s just that when you have a budget, you have to work within it, and if more money is needed, we’ll wait until we know those funds are available,” he added in defense of adjusting to budgetary realities.