Fate of Historic School Site: Public Meeting Monday to Receive Ideas

    This Monday there will be a meeting in the CHS auditorium to receive input from the people of Central on what would be the best use of the historic site of the original Central School.  This property at the corner of Hooper and Sullivan has been a focal point of the Central community and its passion for education for over 100 years, most recently as Central Middle School.  Superintendent Faulk shared that the Board will be laying out a number of concepts currently under consideration and hoping to receive public comment on these concepts as well as any other ideas that the citizens of Central may have.

    Uses that have been discussed informally around town include the possibility of this being an expanded sports complex or the site of Central's "Town Center" to include City Hall and other Governmental and School System offices.  Superintendent Faulk, when asked, explained that this will be the first of several opportunities for the public to give input on the issue.  He assured that the School Board very much wants to understand the desires of the entire community and that the greater good of the Central community will always be considered.

    The School Board, always mindful of its status as Central's elected representatives, is being intentional in its desire to hear the input of Central taxpayers.  The complex as it stands consists of the former middle school classroom/office building, the "girls' gym", which is the oldest public school building still standing in East Baton Rouge Parish, the "boys' gym/cafeteria", and the auditorium, home of fond memories of hundreds of Central graduates who walked across its stage to receive their diplomas.  Not to be forgotten is "Wildcat Stadium", the scene of countless gridiron battles since the 1940's.  This site stands as a monument to the passion of Central citizens to provide quality education for their children.  As the historic cornerstone of our community this site has no equal.  This meeting is the beginning of an opportunity for Central to preserve its past and possibly provide a much needed focal point for the community.

    Consider honoring the School Board's appeal for community input.  An hour on a weeknight is not too much time to spend making your voice heard on this extremely important issue.  Remember the past, consider the future, and come out Monday night at 6:00 pm and be sure your input is heard.