SUNSET — Sunset Middle School is set to re-open Friday after being closed for much of the week due to storm-related damage.
Entergy crews spent Thursday morning repairing broken utility poles that were downed by strong winds from Monday morning’s storms. The damage also resulted in a chemical spill from a broken transformer, requiring assistance from the Department of Environmental Quality for cleanup.
“We also had to clean up a chemical spill that was caused from one of the transformers breaking after the pole collapsed due to high winds. DEQ had to assist with that cleanup,” said Spencer Arnaud, Director of operations.
The school’s closure has prompted the St. Landry Parish School District to develop a plan to recover lost instructional hours and meet the state’s requirements.
Sunset Middle, along with other schools in the parish, also lost a week of classes earlier this year due to the historic 2025 snowstorm.
“What we are looking at as the best-case scenario is utilizing some early dismissal days in April and May,” said Assistant Superintendent Jerome Robinson. “We may also add time in the mornings to help recover those minutes.”
The plan is not finalized just yet and will be discussed with the board before any decisions are made.
