By CALEB FREY

Staff Reporter 

RESERVE – The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board passed a motion Thursday to accept bids for the badly damaged roof at the old, un-used Leon Godchaux Grammar School.

The preliminary estimate for replacing the roof with asphalt shingles is around $95,500, according to architect Alton Darby.

The motion passed 8 to 1 after some scrutiny from Board Members Russ Wise and Keith Jones.

&#8220The question is why?” Wise asked about the amount being called for to replace the roof of a school which is currently not in use except for administrative functions. &#8220I don’t know if I want to spend $95,000 on a building we’re not going to put to use.”

Jones, the only member to publicly object to the motion, feels the spending could be better used right now.

&#8220I know this building is historical but $95,000, without getting to deep into it, I can think of some other places we can spend that money,” Jones said.

School Board President Gerald Keller believes the repairs to Leon Godchaux will not be wasteful especially if the building can be used to house administrative duties which would give the school board much more space.

&#8220You have to make a start. I think there is some great potential in the use of this building, I don’t think it’s wasted money,” Keller said.

The soundness of the structure at Leon Godchaux was also a concern before the process of replacing the roof could begin. Alton Darby, who was appointed by Superintendent Michael Coburn to inspect Leon Godchaux, said the basic structure is sound and the inside would have to be gutted and further repairs could be made after that.

Coburn noted that LaPlace Elementary was closed Friday due to a water main outside the school that appeared to be hit by some sort of motor vehicle, according to St. John Maintenance Coordinator Jessie Oubre. The school is expected to re-open Monday.