Day 2 of South Park Testimony Begins

David Ingram
Story Created: Jul 29, 2009 at 10:27 AM CDT

(Story Updated: Jul 29, 2009 at 12:20 PM CDT )

Day 2 of a hearing that could determine the future of Beaumont’s South Park Middle School has started in District Judge Bob Wortham’s courtroom.

BISD Superintendent Dr. Carrol Thomas showed little emotion as he testified Tuesday saying renovation of the building that formally housed South Park High School was not of the plan when the district began construction funded by a multi-million dollar bond issue. Dr. Thomas says the 2007 measure approved by voters did not stipulate that the South Park Building would be repaired rather than replaced.

BISD wants to build a new $42 Million school on the site rather than renovate the existing school.

School Attorney melody Chappell Tuesday argued that Beaumont voters knew the bond’s passage would result in demolition of the South Park building.

"I think the main point is that the school district voted... It was always a promise to the community that a new south park would be built," said Chappell.

1969 South Park graduate and supporter of renovating the building Miriam Nichol claimed that the district is ignoring its citizens. She says a successful petition drive to save the building was not acknowledged by the school district.

"I spoke in front of the school boards several times... I took petitions and they still don't recognize us for it." Said Nichol to KBMT.

KBMT’s Brian Burns is in the courtroom and will have more information later in the day.


http://www.kbmt12.com/news/local/51992722.html