Former Ward Elementary site sold

The Jeff Davis Parish School Board has sold one property just ahead of acquiring another.

During a special meeting Tuesday night, board members authorized President Philip Arceneaux to sign acts of sales on the former James Ward Elementary building on Wilbert D. Rochelle Avenue and 20 acres of property owned by Dan Donald on South Lake Arthur Avenue.

Dr. Charles Achane, representing the Southwest Louisiana Business Development Center, entered into a lease agreement and payment plan with the board for the ultimate purchase of the old James Ward campus. Superintendent Kirk Credeur said Achane made the final two payments for the $55,000 purchase this month.

The lease agreement stated the board would continue carrying insurance on the building until the sale was finalized. The buyer was responsible for maintaining the property. However, the city and city residents had complained to the board several times that the property was not being tended.

Credeur said that just last week, the city again contacted his office to request that the property be mowed and the building secured.

“I explained the situation and the terms of the lease,” Credeur said. “It was then that I asked Mr. Achane if he would be willing to make the final two payments on the building so we could finalize the sale. He is aware that the city has concerns about the property.”

With the old James Ward site sold, the board will immediately drop insurance on the property, which costs $20,000 annually.

Meanwhile, the 20 acres being purchased from Donald is the site where a pre-k through sixth grade elementary school will be constructed. District Attorney Michael Cassidy, who serves as the school board’s attorney, said that purchase will be finalized before the end of this month.

Officials hope to break ground at the site next April.