Looking to relocate T.S. Cooley
The Calcasieu Parish School Board voted last Tuesday to pursue the purchase of Hamilton Christian School, four lots adjacent to S.P. Arnett Middle School in Westlake and one lot adjacent to Moss Bluff Elementary School. With a motion from the budget and fiscal management committee, the board voted to pursue the purchase of the Hamilton Christian School for the purpose of relocating T.S. Cooley Elementary.
In the weeks leading up to the board’s motion, via social media and other stakeholder communication outlets, Hamilton Christian School addressed speculation that the school could be closing should the two entities come to a purchase agreement. In his address, Principal Wayne McEntire said the school “has explored the possibility of moving for many years” however any possible agreements with CPSB would not signal the close of Hamilton.
“We may move from our current location, but God is not finished with Hamilton … HCS will absolutely be in business and pursuing the future.” While CPSB’s decision to “pursue to purchase” does not signify any sort of formal agreement or contract, McEntire said throughout the process Hamilton’s board will “look closely at the costs versus the benefits of moving” if a substantial offer is made by CPSB.
Parties representing the landowners of the property north of Arnett contacted CPSB about the potential purchase. If purchased, the current structures would be cleared from the property and the land would be a converted into a student drop-off and pick-up area, said Holly Holland, spokeswoman for CPSB.
Similarly, owners of the one lot south of Moss Buff Elementary contacted the district about the single lot. Currently, the lot contains a structure that would be cleared, potentially, for teacher parking and a storage building that would be used for the school’s needs.
Final decisions on the board’s “pursue to purchase” motions will be finalized at upcoming board meetings.
‘We may move from our current location, but God is not finished iwth Hamilton … HCS will absolutely be in business and pursuing the future.’
Principal Wayne McEntire
Hamilton Christian School