Comeaux High Survives Closure Vote Amid Lafayette Parish Debate

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - In a decision that reverberated across the Lafayette community, the Lafayette Parish School Board narrowly voted 5-4 to keep Comeaux High School open. The decision came during an emotionally charged meeting on November 20, 2024, where supporters of the school packed the boardroom, their cheers echoing as the final votes were counted.

The debate over Comeaux High’s future unfolded amidst broader discussions of the district’s optimization plan, developed by Civic Solutions Group (CSG).

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The plan recommended closing several schools to address declining enrollment and budget constraints. However, in the case of Comeaux High, community advocacy played a pivotal role in swaying the board's decision.

Growth and Success Amid Challenges

One of the key factors influencing the board’s vote was Comeaux High School’s academic achievements. According to the state Department of Education, Comeaux recently demonstrated the greatest academic growth in the district, earning an A rating. This success story bolstered arguments to keep the school open despite challenges such as declining enrollment and aging facilities.

Since the 2018-2019 school year, enrollment at Comeaux has decreased by 500 students, with approximately 66% of families in the school’s zone opting to send their children there. The decline was exacerbated by the rezoning of nearly 900 students to the newly built Southside High in 2016-2017, as well as competition from area charter schools.

Community Voices: Passionate Pleas and Emotional Testimonies

The public’s passion for Comeaux High was evident during the meeting. Students and community members delivered emotional testimonies, highlighting the school’s importance beyond academics. “Comeaux High School is more than just a collection of classrooms and hallways,” said student Leah Jackson. “It’s a living, breathing community where dreams are nurtured and futures are forged.”

Residents argued that years of neglect by the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) contributed to the school’s challenges, citing high administrative turnover and deferred maintenance. Many expressed concerns that closing the school would disrupt families and strip the community of a vital institution.

Financial and Structural Considerations

Board members who voted for closure pointed to financial constraints and the high per-student investment at Comeaux. The facility, originally constructed in 1965, has long required significant upgrades. A performing arts wing added in 2022 increased costs but brought vital resources for programs transferred from Lafayette High School.

Jeremy Hidalgo, one of the board members advocating for change, emphasized the district’s fiscal challenges, stating, “Pupil-to-teacher ratios will increase if we don’t make sound decisions about consolidating resources.” Despite this, the proposal to close Comeaux ultimately failed, ensuring the continuation of programs like the Navy JROTC and performing and visual arts.

Other Key Votes in the Optimization Plan

The November 20 meeting also saw decisions on several other schools in Lafayette Parish as part of the district’s sweeping optimization plan:

• S.J. Montgomery Elementary: The board voted 8-1 to close S.J. Montgomery Elementary due to deteriorating conditions. Students will be rezoned to nearby campuses, and the facility will be repurposed as an elementary school.
• Lafayette Middle School: Lafayette Middle will also be repurposed as part of the optimization plan. Its current students will be rezoned to four different middle schools: Acadian Middle, Edgar Martin Middle, Scott Middle, and L.J. Alleman Middle.
• Duson Elementary: In a unanimous vote, the board decided to keep Duson Elementary open, despite recommendations from Civic Solutions Group to close the campus. The small school faced criticism for its high per-student costs and lower family choice ratings, but community members argued its importance as a neighborhood hub.

These decisions, though varied in outcome, reflect the Lafayette Parish School Board’s efforts to balance financial sustainability with the community’s emotional and practical needs.

The Future of Comeaux High

With the vote settled, the question remains: what’s next for Comeaux High? While its academic performance shines, long-term challenges such as facility maintenance and enrollment trends must be addressed. The Lafayette Parish School Board also rejected proposals to repurpose the campus for other uses, such as housing district personnel or serving as a middle school athletic facility.

The decision to keep Comeaux High open underscores the complex balancing act facing LPSS as it seeks to optimize resources while honoring the community’s needs. For now, the students and staff of Comeaux can celebrate their victory and continue building on their successes within the walls of a school they call home.

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