Injunction hearing between BISD and Heritage Society continues

July 28, 2009 10:02 PM
Ashley Rodrigue

The tug-of-war over the old South Park school is still ongoing this evening. A hearing today to decide the fate of the school ended just before 6:30 p.m., without a resolution.

Here's the background: In November 2007, Beaumont voters approved a $389 million bond proposal, which included building a new South Park Middle School. A month ago, the Beaumont Heritage Society filed an injunction against the district to stop the demolition of the old building to make way for the new one. Days later, a judge awarded the group a temporary restraining order until the courts could decide whether to grant the injunction.

And that decision-making hearing began today.

The hearing started off and stayed in the hands of the plaintiffs, whose goal is to prove the district lied to voters, to show south park has historical significance and to explain how the district is being financially irresponsible in tearing down the building.

BISD Superintendent Dr. Carrol Thomas spent the majority of the day on the stand. Attorney Mike Getz questioned Thomas about changes in the plans for South Park, throughout the bond development process and after the bond was approved. Getz's goal was to prove the district misled voters about its intentions for the future of the school.

BISD's attorney, Melody Chappell, spent her time with Thomas establishing a trend showing the district maintained its intentions to tear down South Park, without the option of renovation.

Both sides feel their goals were established well today.

By law, this hearing was only allowed to be held today, because of the restraining order limits. But both parties this evening agreed to extend the order through tomorrow to finish the hearing.

Court will continue at 9:30 a.m.