Beaumont Enterprise Opinions February 15, 2010 I applaud Judge Bob Wortham's decision to disallow bond funds to raze South Park High School, but believe it remains at the pinnacle of the most endangered historic buildings in Beaumont/Jefferson County. Using "other" funds to demolish this structurally sound building and insensitive public policy is a formidable challenge to historic preservation. Members of the BISD board need education on the merits of visual and tangible reminders of our past, preserving architecturally and historically significant sites and structures. Superintendent Carrol Thomas should consider the Secretary of the Interior's vision to protect our nation's irreplaceable cultural resources by promoting consistent preservation practices, taking care not to obscure, radically change, damage or destroy character-defining features even in the process of rehabilitation work. Alternatives to demolition of this historically significant structure would meet with approval of SPHS supporters. Dr. Thomas can lead a school district from "Accredited Warned" to "Fully Accredited" in one year, and I am persuaded he is capable of discovering a creative alternative to the current dilemma. The BISD board, elected as "stewards of the public trust" who "spend numerous hours researching and discussing issues â?¦ pertinent to the continued progress and smooth operation of Beaumont's public schools," should carefully research and consider preservation alternatives. Kathryn (Collins) Franklin, SPHS 1962, Gurley, Ala.