School board approves permanent eight-classroom wing at South Terrebonne after rejecting modular bid

The Terrebonne Parish School Board voted to reject all bids for the South Terrebonne High School modular classroom site work project and approved moving forward with plans for an eight‑classroom permanent wing, establishing an approximate budget of $3,605,845 to be derived from the district’s building fund.

The substitute motion to reject the modular bid and pursue permanent construction was moved by Mister Boisier and seconded by Miss Mills. After discussion the board approved the substitute motion in a roll-call process; the chair reported the substitute motion passed with six votes in favor, two votes against and one member absent.

Board members and staff debated both cost and long-term strategy. Superintendent Matthew Ford, who spoke in favor of the permanent wing, said, “Let me be direct in stating initially that I am for the, the permanent building solution as opposed to any modular, or portable or whatnot.” Ford framed the choice as an investment in campus stability and student experience, noting prior large capital projects and saying the permanent wing would better serve special education students and encourage inclusion.

Several board members pushed back on cost and timing. One member warned that the higher price would “exhaust the balance of the building fund” and that other projects — including expensive HVAC replacements — remain on the district list. Another member urged prudence, saying enrollment trends and hurricane‑related risks counsel against committing large sums now and noting the modular alternative’s lower bid price of about $548,000 with an alternate of $23,000 for an adjoining canopy.

Board discussion referenced the district’s 2020 facility study and earlier work to replace portable classrooms after Hurricane Ida. Supporters of the permanent wing argued the district had used the facility study as a roadmap and should continue replacing portables with brick‑and‑mortar construction when feasible. Opponents emphasized the broad parishwide need for classrooms and the risk of creating future shortfalls in the building fund if the larger budget is committed now.

The motion on the floor replaced an earlier recommendation to accept the lowest bid (Thompson Construction Company Inc.) for the modular classroom site work, which had been presented to the Buildings, Food Service and Transportation Committee with a bid amount of $548,000 and a total budget figure shown in committee materials. The substitute motion directed staff to issue a notice to proceed to Shermy & Bruce Architects for plans and specifications for an eight‑classroom permanent wing at South Terrebonne High School, and to advertise for bids using the higher approximate budget.

The vote sequence included voice and roll‑call steps described on the record; the chair announced the substitute motion passed and the committee meeting was adjourned. The board authorized the board president or superintendent to sign necessary documents to pursue the permanent‑wing design and bidding process.

Board members emphasized next steps: reporting major project changes back to the Buildings, Food Service and Transportation Committee before advertising bids, and keeping the construction funding tied to the building fund. Supporters said the permanent wing could reduce future storm damage repair and long‑term replacement costs; opponents said the district must guard cash for other critical capital needs.

The decision replaces the lower modular bid approach for South Terrebonne with a direction to design and bid a permanent wing, subject to advertisement, contract approvals and further committee oversight.