Judge sides with Heritage Society, BISD Still Planning Demolition David Ingram Story Created: Jan 8, 2010 at 3:22 PM CST (Story Updated: Jan 8, 2010 at 10:48 PM CST ) Just after 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, 58th District Judge Bob Wortham delivered his decision that bans BISD from using any funds from the $389 million bond, passed by voters in 2007. There were more than 80 people on hand to hear the decision. Judge Wortham cited that there was strong evidence presented to voters that the district would not demolish the 86-year-old school building, if voters passed the bond issue. David Pete, who is president of South Park Middle School's PTA and father of two students, was very upset with Judge Wortham's decision. "The kids deserve it and they've worked hard," said Pete. "They have put forth the effort." But it appears South Park students will get a new campus after all. BISD attorney Melody Chappell says the district will use money from its own budget to complete the demolition of South Park Middle School. "The school district has a budget they can use and do whatever they want," said Chappell. "Whatever they decide is in the best interest of the kids at South Park, the district will do." Mike Getz, who represents Beaumont Heritage Society, says renovating the school would not only benefit the students, but it would also be significantly cheaper. Getz says the district is being financially irresponsible by using district money to build a new school. "Every taxpayer in Beaumont that is offended by that notion, and I am," said an emotional Getz. "They should contact their trustee and tell them that." David Pete disagrees with Getz and says it is time for a new school. "We're speaking in terms of the present and future of these kids," said Pete. "There needs to be a new school built, period." _________________________________________________________ Original Copy 58th District Judge Bob Wortham has made his long-awaited decision concerning the future of South Park Middle School. Judge Wortham has sided with the Beaumont Heritage Society. The Beaumont Heritage Society and Alumni of the former South Park high school requested today’s hearing saying the district promised voters the building would be renovated or preserved as part of a $389 Million bond package. The Heritage Society is seeking to protect the building from demolition. The Beaumont Independent School District has opposed preservation saying it needed to tear down the 86-year-old building and build a new campus for middle school students. The district maintained it would be too expensive to renovate the building. Judge Wortham's decision means the district could still tear down the structure, but would be forbidden to use bond money to cover demolition costs. A school official says a contractor has already been chosen and the funds will come from the schools general fund.