Security upgrades, repairs and improvements at Jennings High School, including Jerry Simmons Stadium, and Jennings Elementary School could begin as early as next year.

Members of the Jeff Davis Parish School Board Board Ward II committee on Monday gave preliminary approval to the board’s architect to proceed with the design and bids for the multi-list projects contingent on the full board’s approval on Dec. 15.

The project calls for a secure vestibule and access control system to improve security at Jennings High School. The project would also address drainage issues at the school’s tennis courts, as well as adding restrooms and a concession stand at the tennis courts.

Construction of a field house, concession stand and press box are planned at Jerry Simmons Stadium, which is part of the Jennings High School campus although it is not located on campus. Other stadium projects would include new fencing around the stadium, parking lot for buses, restrooms, lighting for the football field and behind press box, new sod and field goals and a new front facade.

“Basically that stuff is anywhere from the ‘40s to now and there is no way it is going to make 20 more years,” board member Donn E. Dees said. “That’s a problem.”

The project will also include drainage and sidewalk improvements at Jennings High and the football stadium.

Additional parking and fencing for the new parking lot are planned for the new Jennings Elementary School. The project will provide a 200-spot fenced in parking area to the back of the school to provide additional parking for the school and a secure area to park school buses.

The plans also include the demolition of the old Jennings Elementary School on Florence Street.

“We have been discussing these projects for years and now they are finally coming to fruition,” board member Jimmy Segura said.

A citizen committee was formed 2-3 years ago to prioritize the needs at Jerry Simmons Stadium. Needs for the other facilities have evolved over time.

Superintendent John Hall said the improvements will solve aging and security issues at the facilities, as well as bring the facilities to where they need to be while addressing future needs.

“I think this year when you start talking about fences and building and safety it has a new meeting to it,” Hall said, noting that Ward II is fortunate to have funds available to make things better.

Funding for the demolition of the old elementary school will be provided by a sales tax. An estimated $2.5 million in premium funds from construction of the new Jennings Elementary School and $1.6 million in contingency funds from Ward II will help fund the security upgrades, repairs and improvements at the other schools and the football stadium.