BOSSIER CITY, La. — The Bossier Parish School Board voted to reduce portions of its property tax rates for 2026 and approved plans for a new $20 million multipurpose student facility during its June 18 meeting.
Two millages were lowered, with a 26.57 mill tax reduced to 26.50 mills and an 11.00 mill tax cut to 10.00 mills. The changes are expected to result in approximately $1.56 million in savings for property owners in the parish.
In the same meeting, the board approved construction of the BPSB Center for Excellence, a 2,772-seat venue planned at the John McConathy Academic Complex. The project is designed as a districtwide facility to host student events and activities.
Construction is expected to begin during the 2026-27 school year at the site on Shed Road in Bossier City. The project will be funded using previously committed construction funds, with no additional tax impact, according to the school board.
“I cannot think of a better way to serve our students and community than with this one-of-a-kind facility,” Superintendent Jason Rowland said. “From the i3 Art Expo, kindergarten and fifth grade graduations to job fairs and military nights, it will be fantastic to have these events on Bossier Parish School Board property.”
Plans for the project include renovating an existing gymnasium, theater and adjoining spaces, along with constructing a new 45,000-square-foot activities center with banquet space. Two existing buildings will be demolished to accommodate the new construction.
The project also includes adding approximately 200 parking spaces and improving a ring road around the property, which the district acquired two years ago. In total, the development is expected to provide nearly 65,000 square feet of usable space.
Next steps include planning and design, followed by a bid process and construction, which is projected to take between 18 and 24 months.
Board members expressed support for the project during the meeting.
“This will be a highly utilized facility,” said District 6 Representative Glen Bullard.
“This is visionary for Bossier,” said District 10 Representative Sandra “Samm” Darby. “I look forward to having this facility under our leadership.”