SPEAK UP: Is this the end of the South Park saga?

By SPEAK UP
April 2, 2010

Posted: April 2, 2010, 9:57 PM CDT

Demolition began Friday afternoon on the embattled former South Park High School.

The 87-year-old now middle school was assaulted by a tracked excavator after a ruling by a judge allowed Beaumont ISD to tear down the school using money not allocated through the 2007 $388 million bond.

An appeal Thursday night filed by a group of South Park alumni and the Beaumont Heritage Society failed to produce a court order to stop the district.




Comments:

fatfingers wrote:
The crew started with no fencing and dust is flying everywhere, maybe even some asbestos dust. They should at the very least be spraying water on the site being demolished to keep the dust down. Even if the asbestos the building was abated there is no way some did not get missed. I am surprised OSHA doesn't step in and fine the company doing the job for endangering the public'?s health and safety.
04/06/2010 08:13 AM CDT

corky2 wrote:
At some point they stopped asbestos abatement. I don't think that was completed before the litigation got complicated. Maybe without anyone knowing they finished that job...maybe not. If not, they could have just spread some carcinogens all over the South end and Lamar. I remember reading that the abatement stopped with the first court order. I haven't seen/read anything since. We shouldn't comment any further until we know something about it....fredsaid, you know the rest.
04/05/2010 10:04 PM CDT

EPN wrote:
"I live in a school district were every school in exemplary. Thomas makes a ton more money than the Sup. here. How does that make sense? " EXACTLY, he makes too much money for the crap he pulls and the school are not doing any better because of him! He is no leader.
04/05/2010 10:04 PM CDT

The Truth wrote:
So you have public officials who according to a District Court committed "fraud". Are all the sane people so in the minority that they can't overrun the next board meeting demanding that Thomas be replaced? It seems to me that either (1) most people in Bmt approve of Thomas, (2) the masses just don't care, or (3) the pot bangers are just outnumbered. Which is it? I just refuse to believe that if people took every chance to voice their outrage about him that some of the Board Members would have to roll him under the bus. I live in a school district were every school in exemplary. Thomas makes a ton more money than the Sup. here. How does that make sense?
04/05/2010 09:12 PM CDT

Wavy Gravy wrote:
Has anyone thought to mention that one of the reasons that BISD promoted a new school was the imaginary fact that South Park building was loaded with asbestos and posed a danger to the kids. Where is the asbestos? How is it being mitigated? Where is the hazmat abatement permit? What about the danger posed to demolition workers from lead pipes in the building? Why is there no one to stop thieves from stealing the copper wiring? This whole situation if a cluster screw if there ever was one.
04/05/2010 08:33 PM CDT

Bodine Gunch wrote:
Last time I checked - FRAUD is a crime.. Shouldnt criminal charges be pursued against Carroll Thomas for FRAUD?
04/05/2010 12:46 PM CDT

GALATIONS 4:16 wrote:
BigThick, it looks like 75% are walking the streets Beaumont. Especially in the South End. I wonder if anybody works out there. Saw a funny sign in front of an Abilene Restaurant: TRY OUR OBAMA SPECIAL, ORDER WHAT YOU WANT AND THE TABLE NEXT TO YOU WILL PAY.
04/05/2010 11:47 AM CDT

EPN wrote:
It's mediocre at best. It's already 75% economically disadvantaged, it's going to be way more after Thomas is through with you. The other 25% won't stay. Sheep.
04/05/2010 11:40 AM CDT

BigThick wrote:
All indications of BISD academic performance points to the fact that they are a recognized school with NO academically unacceptable schools. This accomplished in a school district who's student population is over 75% economically disadvantaged.
04/05/2010 10:43 AM CDT

EPN wrote:
That decision to start immediately was dirty, underhanded and crooked just like Thomas! Wouldn't you choose a better way of life for your kids? The new buildings ARE NOT going to change how they foolishly manage money. What has it done for Pietzsch or any of the rest of them really? No, I'm talking education folks, not sports! With all the money he makes BISD should shine far better. Others do/ did before with way less money!
04/05/2010 09:19 AM CDT

icecreamlady wrote:
I was overjoyed when I heard demolition had begun on South Park. Dr. Thomas' decision to start demolition immediately was a very good decision. The entire Beaumont area will all have new schools and a bright future. Just thnk BISD is a Recognized District with a school that was built in 1923. I look forward to the day BISD will be an Exemplary School District. Let's get the show on the road. Thank you Dr. Thomas for all you do to help our children's future.
04/05/2010 08:42 AM CDT

BigThick wrote:
If the "greenie's" are at every board meeting to voice their anger about the destruction of South Park Middle School there would be even more people that show up there to voice its support of tearing down the school. As I wrote earlier, if a vote or poll was held tomorrow the majority would vote to tear it down and/or agree with it being torn down.
04/05/2010 07:42 AM CDT

majestic5050 wrote:
It seems that the majority of comments have with them a Gallon of hate to fuel a fire into a larger fire.Do we have outsiders here (Non Greenies,Non Beaumonters),who continues to activitate a violentaire atmosphere. My support is for the tireless Teachers at BISD who educate my grandkids and not substract because of Higher level Jerks who will not infringe upon my Grandkids Education.
04/05/2010 07:00 AM CDT

EPN wrote:
Hello? Does the Historical Society of Beaumont mean anything to you? How many schools have they ever asked to be saved? It sounds like you haven't been listening either.
04/05/2010 05:54 AM CDT

SBaine wrote:
I agree with GJackson3. Instead of just complaining here you need to be at every board meeting. Not just one, everyone. You need to speak every time. Will it do any good? It will do more than you are doing here. If the community showed up in mass it would make a difference. The problem is that is too much trouble. It is easier to just write comments here. Nothing will change.
04/05/2010 05:32 AM CDT

EPN wrote:
@Jmac - who told you they were going to keep the South Park name? That's the 1st I've heard that. You mean to tell me that BISD is indignant enough to put South Park's name on a bldg that wasn't a SP bldg. That is just wrong. Maybe you mean South End? That's two totally different places. South Park was a wonderful community with great schools, with a beautiful HS campus. The Sow-ff End is what you see today.
04/
04/2010 11:57 PM CDT

EPN wrote:
@ Trey - Ballot box? you need to get real, that doesn't change the two-faced play they played. They LIED to purposely deceive to get votes, dude, that IS A crime!
04/
04/2010 11:36 PM CDT

trey wrote:
Wow fredsaid! Can you please define your most recent post about Africans? I truly hope that you're not making this a race issue. To everyone else, be realistic! No one is going to prison or pay any fines. Complaining also serves no purpose other than to show the mentality of some people. As JaMac said, the only solution you have is the ballot box. Any decision that is made will be met with supporters and detractors. I could say that the sun is hot, and someone would probably argue against it. Put your power in the polls.
04/
04/2010 10:56 PM CDT

clod wrote:
The destruction of Southpark began when the first White families abonded the area.Enjoy your memories,and refer to that part of the world as I do.North Port Arthur.
04/
04/2010 07:44 PM CDT

GALATIONS 4:16 wrote:
Axiom, I learned years ago to never take a knife to a gunfight. I would never threaten physical harm. The way to kill the BISD SNAKE is financially. Watch It fold !!!
04/
04/2010 07:22 PM CDT

GALATIONS 4:16 wrote:
texas girl 1960, They will never pass another one. Had the Beaumont Chamber not supported this one it would never have passed. Now we know Carroll Thomas and crew are liars and cowards not to leave out FOOLS. I just cant wait for our appraised values to drop and see the bloodbath in BISD.
04/
04/2010 07:19 PM CDT

5 of Cats wrote:
people keep talking about voting them all out of office - how are you going to do that when all the west end wanda type people don't care enough to get up off their butts to go vote and the black population does. West end - you are footing the bills - get involved - you are the only ones who can change this craziness.
04/
04/2010 05:14 PM CDT

TexasGirl1960 wrote:
I think BISD will have a hard time getting any bond money in the future. This will have ramifications for many years to come. Not only did they do it in haste, they broke more promises to the alumni who were promised memorabilia and architectural elements from the facility. They just added insult to injury. I don't see how these people sleep at night. They have also likely influenced bond elections in other school districts. I bet that before any bond issue in any local district is passed again, people will look long and hard at what their own school boards are proposing. This will likely cause many school districts around here to have issues with future bond issues. Voters certainly will ask their board a lot more questions and be asking for public disclosure on everything associated with bond money. In the past they may have left it up to the board, but probably not in the future!
04/
04/2010 03:17 PM CDT

the trainman wrote:
A divided community on standing and falling. Which interest is best being served by this untimely espisode?
04/
04/2010 03:13 PM CDT

Wavy Gravy wrote:
This ambush is just the latest demonic action performed by the bastard BISD group of reparationsists. It's something that didn't have to be done. The BISD bastards should have taken better care of the building that was entrusted to them. They didn't want to. It didn't serve their deviant purpose. All they've done is to harm community cohesiveness beyond hope of any repair. Prison time for those guilty of fraud. Those who willingly and deliberately destroy monumental landmarks should be shown no quarter whatsoever. Their deed is long lasting. So should be their prison sentence.
04/
04/2010 03:06 PM CDT

GB Solleder wrote:
It is hardly surprising the SPHS demolition occured in this manner. But some good has definitely resulted. In the future, bond proposers will be held to much stricter codes of conduct as to content, schedules, and costs if they are to have them passed. Voters will require more hard information, especially concerning options and recomendations. I think the lack of such data was a main reason for the recent failure of the Nederland school district's bond election. Can proposers still misrepresent the truth? Of course. But I think now voters will hold them both responsible and accountable at their next elections.
04/
04/2010 01:40 PM CDT

lookintothis wrote:
Carroll and his cronies did their Ambush Demolition on Easter weekend. It's way too late for a 'truce'. :-(
04/
04/2010 01:21 PM CDT

Satosp wrote:
It is Easter Sunday. Truce???
04/
04/2010 10:32 AM CDT

JaMac wrote:
Do not waste your time going to a board meeting and expressing your opinion to a group of people who approved the demolition. Let your voice be heard at the voting box. The pencil has more power than the vocal cord. But the South Parkers should be happy...at least they will still have a school with the name of the school from which they graduated...just not a high school. Think of all of the other graduates who still reside in this area or return to attend reunions identifying with a school that no longer exist and bearing a name that has been lost forever. I am speaking of the graduates of Beaumont High, Charlton-Pollard High, Hebert High, French High, Forrest Park High, and Beaumont-Charlton-Pollard High.
04/
04/2010 09:57 AM CDT

timwopel wrote:
it it wouldn't come off like a bunch of whiney losers either!
04/
04/2010 08:55 AM CDT

GJackson3 wrote:
No matter which side you are on, the BEST thing you can do is go to a BISD board meeting and express your opinion. Writing on this website will do no good. You have to let the right people know that you do or do not agree with what is going on. If all of you would go to a board meeting and speak, it would have a much greater impact then posting anonymously on this website.
04/
04/2010 08:54 AM CDT

ankervinje@att.net wrote:
it should have been reavated not throw down this was a spit in the face of the tax payers of Beaumontand dity trick Buy BISD!!!!!! Class of 1960 Anker Vinje
04/
04/2010 08:03 AM CDT

Wavy Gravy wrote:
It's a virtual fan club timwopel. It exists only in YOUR mind. From a business standpoint, that could be a plus, though, because there's no club monthly letter mail-outs or the hassle of billing and collecting dues. Celebrity is it's own reward.
04/03/2010 11:57 PM CDT

timwopel wrote:
cool, i have a fan club. now if i could just weed out the undesireables.
04/03/2010 09:50 PM CDT

Wavy Gravy wrote:
Just as you suspected corky2, timwopel is both terms of endearment.
04/03/2010 09:14 PM CDT

corky2 wrote:
Timwopel, did you misunderstand busman's post? Whether you did or did not, you're either a dumb a** or just an a** hole; both, most likely. Jerk!!!
04/03/2010 09:05 PM CDT

skeeet wrote:
The historical marker is tossed in the closet of the office that was Terry Ingrams
04/03/2010 05:52 PM CDT

timwopel wrote:
wow, your husband graduated from south park and can't read a newspaper? sad. they made the right move it seems. did you read it to him? lol lol lol
04/03/2010 01:45 PM CDT

Axiom wrote:
Prison time for BISD criminals!
04/03/2010 12:05 PM CDT

fredsaid wrote:
"A jackass can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build one."
04/03/2010 11:34 AM CDT

fredsaid wrote:
Deep Thoughts by Carroll Thomass:: "Meetings go smoothly as long as all involved stay on track. Side conversations, passing notes, walking around, answering telephones, texting and other distractions make for ineffective and poor meetings. To get the most of meetings, including making them timely and rendering more effective results, each of you should heed to the rules of respecting each other and fulfilling the purpose of gathering together. These are critical for meeting success."
04/03/2010 11:31 AM CDT

cheekyj wrote:
Truth be know, Thomas was " excitedly " behind the wheel of the wrecking ball as it threw its first punch. " WHO works into the night ? Thomas's wrecking crew.
04/03/2010 10:54 AM CDT

Nannygirl wrote:
BISD has the same ilk of leaders as the USA has in Washington. Abuse of power is rampant. The pendulum will eventually swing the other way, but the beautiful building will be gone.
04/03/2010 10:35 AM CDT

Donaldd wrote:
Every Since South Park ISD was forced to take in the Old Beaumont School District that was going broke by the Court through winning a law suit; BISD has been doing everything they can to wash that name from the mouths of Beaumonters. They began when they took over the SPISD school board and changed the name to BISD.
04/03/2010 10:29 AM CDT

The Truth wrote:
You all got Thomasized!!
04/03/2010 10:26 AM CDT

busman wrote:
My husband graduated in 1962 from S.P.H.S. He could not even read the newpaper today. The front page showed the school falling to the ground. I know that the South Park school memories will be in every Greenie"s heart forever.I feel there is nothing fair anymore in this town or country. Take heart, Greenies! They cannot tear down your memories, but they can surely break your heart. God bless.
04/03/2010 10:12 AM CDT

GREENIE 1969 wrote:
South Park High School has historical plaque that BISD took down off the building and I will get it ASAP
04/03/2010 09:54 AM CDT

Nightcrawler wrote:
I must admit I originally thought it was just a building. Now I see Thomas and company sees it as something much larger than just a building. It is a chance to make a statement and they did so. To start construction on a holiday and start with the entrance way is a major statement. No demolition crew would've started in the middle. You strat on one end and work your way down. They were told to start there. That was there statement. Now they will bare the consequences.
04/03/2010 09:44 AM CDT

mae wrote:
THIS TOWN IS POSSESSED WITH THE DEVIL
04/03/2010 09:35 AM CDT

buddy wrote:
There is a Caps Lock key on your computer. Please learn to use it properly.
04/03/2010 09:27 AM CDT

BIG TODD wrote:
DOESNT MATTER TO ME 'BUT WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE KIDS GET A NEW SCHOOL. WHATS FUNNY IS THE PEOPLE THATS ANGRY HAVENT TRAVELED THAT WAY IN YEARS.
04/03/2010 08:57 AM CDT

Satosp wrote:
It will never end. The people of Beaumont will never get along. No one is ever happy. Sad place!!! Personally doesn't matter to me which side you are on, lots of angry, hateful, bitter comments have been made. SAD, SAD ugly place.
04/03/2010 07:51 AM CDT

the rat chaser wrote:
Just wondering, did BISD even have the decency to save the Historical Marker and/or the cornerstone of that building to be used later as an exhibit in the new building? I rather doubt it. Dr. Thomas is not a native son of Beaumont and has no love for the town or it's people. We and our buildings and our history mean NOTHING to him. When will Beaumont wise up and vote the board members out who allow Dr. EVIL all this power? He has no fear of them running him off...they are his puppets.
04/03/2010 07:50 AM CDT

GREENIE 1969 wrote:
BISD BOARD MEMBERS YOUR TIME IS LIMITED.
04/03/2010 07:25 AM CDT

buddy wrote:
I don't think this will be over until Carroll Thomas and the BISD board are charged with malfeasance and placed in jail where they all belong.
04/03/2010 07:24 AM CDT

GREENIE 1969 wrote:
THIS AIN'T OVER BELEIVE ME.GREENIE FIGHT NEVER DIES.
04/03/2010 07:24 AM CDT

Quanell Xlax wrote:
This makes Thomas and the board look like criminals. I'm sure this ain't over...
04/03/2010 06:51 AM CDT

Wavy Gravy wrote:
The jury finds that the South Park High School building shall be restored to a 'as new' condition paid for by forfeited salaries in their entirety of the BISD superintendent and all current BISD board members for as long as or until the construction costs are reasonably satisfied. Following reconstruction payment completion the superintendent and board members will immediately begin serving their respective twenty and ten year prison terms without possibility of parole.
04/03/2010 01:41 AM CDT

CharlesRay wrote:
It will be a good start when Satan Thomas and all the devils on BISD are voted out of office by a landslide then run out of town; then the new board can vote to rebuild South Park as it was. The people have spoken.
04/02/2010 10:57 PM CDT

fredsaid wrote:
12:2 They utter lies to each other; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. 12:3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, 12:4 those who say, "With our tongues we will prevail; our lips are our own--who is our master?"
04/02/2010 10:43 PM CDT

corky2 wrote:
On Good Friday...after being judged in breach of public trust, 'fraudulent' both passively and actively, and they began demolition on the entrance, just in case. Classy! Release the Hounds!!!
04/02/2010 10:17 PM CDT

The Truth wrote:
Beaumont, the new Gary Indiana. Look it up.
04/02/2010 10:04 PM CDT