Board approves Arc7 design contract for Independence High band room; construction estimated at $135,000

The Tangipahoa Parish School Board voted unanimously to authorize a $16,414 design contract with Arc7 for a band room renovation at Independence High Magnet School, with staff estimating construction costs at about $135,000.

Mr. McNeilly, a parish staff member, described the project as a renovation rather than an addition: the plan would remove a middle dividing wall that currently splits the space so the band can use the full room, and would open the ceiling for improved acoustics and volume. “This is not adding on to the building,” McNeilly said. He added the front of the space formerly served as a choir room and the back as the band room, but changes in program use left the building underutilized.

Board members asked about asbestos and procurement thresholds. Mr. McNeilly said asbestos is present and “you disturb it, you will” have to remove it if disturbed during construction. He also confirmed that because estimated construction exceeds $125,000, the project will require court approval for the construction contract; this item before the board was for design only. McNeilly told the board that the parish’s court (procurement) processes and the court approval step will be pursued when operations brings the construction contract forward.

The motion to award the design contract passed unanimously on an electronic vote. Staff said Indigo (an internal or external stakeholder referenced in the discussion) had been notified of the project so planning can proceed.

This action authorizes Arc7 to produce design documents; any construction contract and asbestos abatement work will return to the board and to court approval as required.