“Fair to poor” is how the physical condition of Baker High School was described in a report delivered by Clay Slagle, program manager of Volkert Inc., Baton Rouge, to the Baker School Board at its Jan. 15 meeting.

Four assessors examined building structure and drainage, windows and doors, mechanical and electrical systems, fire security and intercom, stadium seating, concessions, lockers, restrooms, and roofing, and documented their work with a lengthy report and photographs.

Volkert was paid $10,000 for the assessment which revealed deficiencies in all the buildings and recommended upgrades and repairs to cost more than $4 million.

Slagle estimated that the cost to build a new high school for 500 students would be $15 million.

In other business:

AUDIT: The board approved a report on the school system audit for 2011-12, as presented by Freddy Smith and David Yellott of Postlethwaite & Netterville, Baton Rouge accounting corporation.

The audit declared the school district “on sound financial ground,” keeping accurate records and in compliance with federal and state laws.

However, weaknesses in internal control were noted including deficiencies with inventory of capital assets such as land and buildings. While food services ran a $70,000 deficit, correction is expected in the 2013 school year.

The school board approved a $10,000 addition to the original $43,500 to cover extra services in the audit prepared by P&N.

Last year the accounting firm of Mary Sue Stages prepared the audit for $21,000 and offered to prepare the 2011-12 audit for the same amount, but the award went to P&N without explanation.

NEW OFFICERS: At the Jan. 8 school board meeting, Shona Boxie was elected president and Dana Carpenter, vice president, for 2013.

SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS: Tammy Golden, principal, Park Ridge Academic Magnet Elementary School, announced the first-, second- and third-place winners of the district science fair, according to grade level.

The first-place winner was Trenese Miller (Baker Heights Elementary); second place, T’Liya Gray (BHE) and third place, Triston Griffin (Park Ridge), all first-graders.

In the same order, first, Matthew Walker (BHE), second, Coby Guillory (PRAMS) and third, Sanaa Jackson (BHE), all second-graders.

First, Jermireya Bradford (PRAMS), second, Skylar Preston (PRAMS) and third, Kobie Parker (BHE), all third-graders.

First, Raven Butler (PRAMS), second, Jalyn Forsythe (PRAMS) and third, Shirlana Carter (BHE), all fourth-graders.

First, Maurice Powe (BHE), second, Taylor Horn (PRAMS) and third, Zane Bryant (PRAMS), all fifth-graders.

NEXT MEETING: The next meeting of the school board will be 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 5.