$150,000 budgeted for Center upgrades

The St. Martin School Board last week authorized the expenditure of up to $150,000 for mostly cosmetic upgrades at the new College & Career Readiness Center being opened on the old Breaux Bridge Elementary campus on West Bridge Street here.
Superintendent Dr. Lottie Beebe asked for approval of the budget, explaining that the money would cover repainting of much of the facility, replacement of ceiling tile in the gym and flooring tile in classrooms, minor touch up work in the cafeteria and new signage.
“We want to take pride in this facility,” Beebe told board members during a finance committee meeting last Wednesday, Aug. 5.
The new campus will enable the parish to meet the state’s new dual graduation “pathway” requirement.
Courses to be offered during the Center’s first year of operation include college math and English, certified nursing assistant, culinary arts, courses in cosmetology and electricity along with Jr. ROTC.
Students from all three parish high schools will be bused to the facility.
The initial faculty will include and administrator and three instructors.
Future plans are to expand possible course offerings to include HVAC, carpentry, plumbing, welding, diesel mechanics and collision repair.

AC MAINTENANCE
After hearing a proposal by representatives of Star Services the board went along with a finance committee recommendation to allow the firm to evaluates expenditures for the maintenance of air conditioning units at three parish schools.
Greg Ortego with Star Services explained that the company currently takes care of more than 100 public schools and 16 private schools, providing 24/7, all year service to the entities’ air condition units.
“We’re able to give you a fixed cost of what you will spend for this service over a fiscal year,” he explained. The company provides all maintenance and material needed by the air conditioner systems as well as replacement costs for failed components.
“We guarantee that you will experience no down time,” Ortego said. “And typically our contract results in significant savings over your current expenses. You get one bill per month that covers everything. It helps to enhance your budgeting process.”
The company’s evaluation will cost the board nothing. Once it is completed Star will offer a proposal for the board to consider.