February 24, 2007

Ms. Martha Hicks

President

Beaumont Independent School District

3395 Harrison Avenue
Beaumont, TX 77706

Dear Madame President:

It is with deep regret that I learned that the Beaumont Independent School District had placed on its agenda the demolition of South Park Middle School. While I left Beaumont after graduating from Lamar University in 1963, I have never abandoned my "roots." I have—and continue to be proud—that I grew up in Beaumont, Texas, and in particular, the south end of Beaumont. The foundation in education I received in Beaumont has been invaluable in my career.

I attended South Park High School from September 1956 until May 1959. Upon graduating from South Park, I enrolled in Lamar University. Lamar provided me an opportunity to seek a career in accounting—one that has been rewarding. After retiring from PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2001at the age of 60, I obtained a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in 2004.

You may question why I provide you my educational background. As a young boy in Beaumont attending J. L. Giles Elementary, I was fortunate to have a sixth grade teacher who was inspiring. I maintained contact with her throughout my adult life until she passed away in 1992. She met all of my children. That sixth grade teacher was Mrs. L. R. Pietzch. Her influence was such that I dedicated my dissertation to her.

It was not until 1983 I learned that Mrs. Pietzch’s husband, Louis R. Pietzch, was the visionary in Beaumont and Southeast Texas who founded Lamar University in 1923. Lamar at that time was known as South Park Junior College and was located on the third floor of the current South Park Middle School. One of its entering freshman was a stalwart in Beaumont and at Lamar—Dr. John Gray. Dr. Gray served in many capacities at Lamar, most notably President on two occasions. He was a proud supporter of Lamar throughout his life.

South Park Junior College became Lamar College in 1932, named after the second president of the Republic of Texas. A young state legislator from Beaumont, The Honorable Jack Brooks, sponsored the legislation to make Lamar College a four-year institution in 1949.

Since its founding in 1923, Lamar has offered graduating seniors from Beaumont and Southeast Texas the opportunity to pursue a university degree.

Ms. Martha Hicks Page Two

President, Beaumont Independent School District

February 24, 2007

I view South Park Middle School in the same light as I do Spindletop in 1901, namely each provided opportunities to the growth of Beaumont and the recognition of Beaumont beyond Texas borders. Each offered opportunities to the citizens and children of Beaumont.

Accordingly, I vigorously object to the demolition of a historical landmark in higher education in Beaumont and Southeast Texas. I suggest that the Board consider an alternative use for the building (e.g., a museum dedicated to educational history in Beaumont).

I appreciate the opportunity to present my views on this matter and hope that after deliberation on this agenda item, the Board will not approve demolition of South Park Middle School.

Sincerely,

J. Donald Warren, Jr., Ph.D., CPA

Director, Masters of Accountancy in Financial Accounting

cc: Members of the Board

The Honorable Nicholas V. Lampson

Member of Congress

Dr. James M. Simmons

President, Lamar University