Comeaux High School supporters rally against recommendation to close school
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Supporters of Comeaux High came together on Tuesday to let their voices be heard after strategic planner Civic Solutions Group recommended that the Lafayette Parish School Board close the school.
Civic Solutions Group advised the school district earlier this month on ways the school system can use taxpayer money more effectively. The strategic planner recommended closing schools that showed decreased enrollment and rezone students. One of those schools on the list is Comeaux High School.
That recommendation is just one of 14 that Civic Solutions Group offered to LPSS. However, because of that recommendation, supporters of Comeaux High, like Emily Benoit, organized a meeting at the Comeaux Recreation Center to voice their opinions.
"I was really upset. We are all really upset to see that this could be a possibility," she said.
Benoit said everyone who wants to see the high school stay open is rallying to "fight to ensure the community understands how amazing Comeaux is" now that the school has undergone a rebrand.
"We're under a complete rebrand and with a little time, that rebrand can become our identity," she said.
Former Lafayette School Board member Rickey Hardy said if the recommendation to close Comeaux High is passed, it could cause more issues.
"It's a ripple effect. It causes movement of teachers, movement of students, transportation issues. How are you going to get those students from point A to point B?" Hardy said.
Parents, staff, and current and former students shared stories during community feedback sessions while a petition opposing the closure of Comeaux High School was available.
Benoit said there have been changes in the students and improvement in the school. She hopes those changes can be seen, especially because students are aware of the possible closure.
"The students on campus are very aware of what's going on, but they are very proud and confident in Comeaux and they know student wants to see their school close," she said.
Although recommendations were made, nothing has been decided. The Lafayette School Board will make a final vote on the recommendations in November.
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