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South Park High School Granted Temporary Reprieve After Judge Issues Injunction Against BISD

HEARING SET FOR 9 A.M. JULY 14, 2009

David Ingram
Story Created: Jul 1, 2009 at 2:59 PM CDT
Story Updated: Jul 1, 2009 at 7:43 PM CDT

South Park's Middle School isn't going away anytime soon.

The school was scheduled for demolition as part of the Beaumont Independent School District's $389 million bond that passed in 2007.

Jefferson County District Judge Bob Wortham Wednesday granted a temporary restraining order forbidding BISD from tearing the building down until he can hear arguments surrounding issues that have arisen regarding the building.

The Beaumont Heritage Society sought the injunction, saying the district failed to provide adequate consideration and input from the public on the matter.

The Texas Historical Commission also weighed in Wednesday, saying that since the building was recognized as a historical marker in 1988, the district should have notified them of any intent to demolish South Park.

The Heritage Society hopes the injunction and the Historical Commission's notice forces the district to build a new South Park school in another location.

There is a hearing scheduled regarding the matter July 14 in Judge Wortham's court.

There was no response from the district regarding today's ruling.