Former BISD Official Testifies Superintendent Said SP Would Not be Demolished

David Ingram
Story Created: Sep 21, 2009 at 1:29 PM CDT
Story Updated: Sep 21, 2009 at 3:01 PM CDT


A former Beaumont Independent School District Communications Director testified Monday that Superintendent Dr. Carrol Thomas told her the former South Park High School would not be torn down but did not know what BISD would do. Jolene Ortego made the comments Monday during day-1 of testimony of a trial that could determine the fate of the South Park building. She said published reports leading up to the bond issue that funded upgrading and rebuilding campuses specifically said the building would be preserved.

Mr. Woodrow Reece, president of BISD School Board testified that he did not know about an agreement not to demolish the high school. He said if he had seen a publication saying this would be the case that he would have notified the publisher that it was not true. Mr. Reece went on to say that SP Middle School was on the same demolition path as Martin and Blanchette Elementary Campuses. He did admit the public was misleading by previous statements by the Superintendent.

Testimony began Monday before 58th District Court Judge Bob Wortham as he decides if a temporary injunction should become a permanent injunction preventing the schools demolition.

The plaintiffs in the case, the Beaumont Heritage Society, want the district to renovate the building rather than tear it down. It maintains that voters were told the building would be preserved if a multi-million dollar bond issue would be passed. Voters approved the measure in 2007.


http://www.kbmt12.com/news/local/60015597.html


KBMT

’s Liz McKernan is in court and will have reports this evening at 5,6 and 6:30.