During their August 3 meeting, the DeSoto Parish School Board unanimously approved a resolution to call an election for November 18, 2023 for two parts of the district. North DeSoto (District No. 2) will consider a bond proposal for capital improvements in a November 2023 election.
The $130 million bond proposal proposes construction of a new North DeSoto High School, a state-of-the-art facility that will provide ample space for learning and accommodate growth, modern amenities and cutting-edge resources to foster an exceptional educational experience. Once the new high school is built, the current high school will be repurposed to accommodate the middle school students (grades 6-8). The remaining grade levels will be distributed at current sites to assure the most efficient use of facilities.
North DeSoto schools faces the challenge of accommodating the community’s rapidly growing population. In a recent five-year enrollment projection for the DeSoto Parish School Board, there is continued growth expected for the North DeSoto area. Additions were made in 2014 at the upper elementary and middle schools and those spaces are now full.
In response to growth and the increase in student population, DeSoto Parish Schools has devised a comprehensive plan to address the needs of its expanding community. In addition to the new state-of-the-art high school, the proposal also includes:
• A dedicated performing arts and career and technical education wings, and an event center that will house a competition gymnasium.
• Upgrades and expansion to the current football stadium, a new turf practice field, and an indoor multipurpose facility that will accommodate turf sports and auxiliaries such as band, cheer, dance line, and JROTC.
• A new state-of-the-art wrestling training facility.
• A new Baseball/Softball complex.
Once the new high school is built, the current high school would be repurposed to accommodate the middle school (grades 6-8). This strategic move ensures efficient utilization of existing facilities while meeting the community’s growing demands. The remaining grade levels will be distributed at current sites to assure the most efficient use of facilities. The current Lower Elementary will be expanded and renovated to provide for more PK classrooms and multi-use spaces for additional support services.
The cost to the taxpayer depends on the value of your home. For example, a $300,000 home in District No. 2 (North DeSoto) with a homestead exemption of $75,000 would have an adjusted taxable value of $225,000 which would be assessed at 10%. The increase from a millage of 3.6 to 34 would result in an annual increase of $684 per year or $57 per month.
All eligible registered voters residing in District No.2 (North DeSoto) are eligible to vote in the November election. Important dates are below:
• In-person / By Mail Registration Deadline — Oct. 18
• Geaux Vote Online Registration Deadline — Oct. 28
• Early Voting Starts — Nov. 3
• Early Voting Ends — Nov. 11
• Deadline to Request a Mail Ballot — Nov. 14
• Deadline for Mail Ballots to be Received — Nov. 17
• Election Day — Saturday, Nov. 18
If you have any questions about the proposal, contact the DeSoto Parish School Board via email at questions@desotopsb.com.
Source: DeSoto Parish School Board http://www.desotopsb.com
