UPDATE: South Park hearing could end today

By KEN FOUNTAIN
July 31, 2009
Posted: July 29, 2009, 8:55 PM CDT Last updated: July 31, 2009, 12:32 PM CDT

UPDATE: Michael Getz, attorney for the plaintiff's, has been sparring with Terry Ingram, Beaumont ISD's assistant superintendent for administration and operations, about possible costs for renovating the existing South Park Middle School versus building a new one, as well as how much space is needed for a school that currently serves around 400 students. Under examination from Melody Chappell, the district's attorney, Ingram said it would cost the district a great deal of money to have its architectural firm redesign the planned new building around a renovated old one. Every day that the district delays proceeding with asbestos abatement before the planned demolition of the new building also increases the costs to taxpayers, Ingram testified. The attorneys say they hope to conclude testimony today before Judge Bob Wortham has to conduct other court business. It's uncertain whether Wortham will rule on whether to grant a temporary injunction today.