Parish Eyes School Levy

A 21-member citizens oversight committee has decided to ask voters to levy a property tax to fund the replacement of two high schools, add classrooms to overcrowded schools, and repair aging facilities in Lafayette Parish.

The panel was appointed by school trustees in November to help implement the district’s facilities master plan. The plan, which was completed in May 2010, identified $1 billion of total needs.

The committee is expected next week to recommend an election as early as October on the property tax, which would support bonds to finance a $592 million, six-year capital program.

The Lafayette Parish School Board would have to decide in May whether to hold the election in October, or wait until November or February 2012.

Sarah Walker, who chaired the committee, said some of the bond proceeds should be dedicated to maintenance efforts and small capital projects that are not on the priority list.

The parish school board’s debt is rated AA by Standard & Poor’s and A1 by Moody’s Investors Service.

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