Tangipahoa Parish School Board reviews finished science lab renovations at Kentwood and Independence high schools

The Tangipahoa Parish School Board received an update on renovated science labs at Kentwood High School and Independence High School during its meeting, with parish staff presenting before-and-after photographs and a timetable for putting the rooms into service.

Mr. Joe, a parish staff member, told the board that the images on screen show the conditions before renovation and the new, finished Kentwood and Independence labs. He said the renovation work produced enough waste to fill “two 35‑yard dumpsters,” and noted that some items such as stools and other furniture are still being ordered. “We’re coming in for a landing, but they will be ready to go for next school year,” Mr. Joe said.

The presentation included a close-up of an old vent hood in the Kentwood photos that the presenter described as “a vent hood from the 1640s, I believe.” Board members praised the work during the update: one member called the new spaces “beautiful,” and another singled out the contractor’s work.

The update indicated the Kentwood project included removal of old equipment and organization of the renovated space; the Independence lab was described as the lab formerly used by a named instructor. The presenter said design- and construction-related finish work remains, and that furniture and stools will be ordered so students can use the rooms.

No formal vote was taken on the lab updates. The presentation combined visual documentation of completed construction with staff remarks about remaining procurement steps and a target to use the labs in the next academic year.

Board members and staff named in the presentation included Mr. Joe (staff member) and references to the contractor(s) who performed work at Kentwood and Independence.