DOYLINE – The demolition of the old Union Elementary School in Doyline is well underway and on schedule Webster Parish Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dan Rawls said.
In December 2014, the school board approved bids to begin the process of demolishing the building because of vandalism and potential health concerns.
“The windows were broken out, there was black mold and asbestos in the building,” Rawls said, “and it was just a security concern. Taking it down just makes the most sense.”
Rawls said he and Buster Flowers, transportation supervisor, conducted one more walk through before deconstruction. The project began right after the first of the year.
“They (contractor) said when they get done, it will be nothing but dirt,” the superintendent said. “Pipes, gas lines – all of that will be taken out and (properly) disposed of.”
Rawls said at this time, it’s still unknown what will be done with the land once it has been completely cleared, which is expected to be at the end of February.
“We probably won’t discuss it until sometime around June when school is out,” he said. “Right now we’re busy with testing and other things.”
During the December school board meeting, a lengthy discussion of the demolition of the building ensued, mainly because of the continued vandalism and deterioration of the structure.
As the demolition of the building continues, the environmental company contracted is continuing to monitor the air quality, Rawls assured. He said he was told there are no contaminants in the air so far – which was a major concern.
The total cost of the demolition is roughly $99,000.
ALTEC Environmental was contracted as project manager and is overseeing supervision during the project for a cost of $15,000.
ARC Abatement 1, Ltd. was contracted for the actual demolition. ARC Abatement also took care of the asbestos removal, costing about $12,000. The major cost is about $67,000, which covers the actual demolition.
The project is being paid for through the Doyline Bond Fund, saving building maintenance funds.
4 comments
Very sad to see, my son spent his 1st through 5th grades here and I enjoyed helping out in the library… Progress…..
🙁 i went to school here. Should use the land for something for the kids in doyline to do. like a park or something.
A park is a wonderful idea. Would be a great place for a walk-run pathway, also a place where kids could play outdoors close to home and not have to drive all the way to state park
I am so sad to see it go!!! But my mom and I were just talking about the fact that there really isn’t a great place to walk. So some sort of park with a walking path would be great!!!
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