KFDM

Judge rules against BISD in South Park case

January 08, 2010 7:17 AM
Ashley Rodrigue

3 p.m. UPDATE: State District Judge Bob Wortham has ruled the Beaumont school district can't demolish South Park Middle School using bond money, but the judge's ruling doesn't prevent the district from using non-bond money to demolish the school.

Wortham issued a Permanent Injunction preventing the district from using money from the $389 million bond issue to tear down the school in order to construct a new campus at the site off Highland Avenue.

The judge announced his decision during a hearing Friday afternoon.

Supporters of the building, constructed in 1922, say they want to preserve at least some it for future use as a campus or for some other use.

In July the Beaumont Heritage Society sued BISD to prevent the district from tearing down the building to construct a new school as part of the $389 million bond program.

Judge Wortham granted a Temporary Injunction in August.

The school board has moved forward with plans to demolish the school by approving a bid for the work.