Committee approves change order for South Terrebonne repairs; district staff give multiple hurricane‑repair and construction updates

The Service and Transportation Committee on April 15 recommended that the Terrebonne Parish School Board approve change order No. 9 for South Terrebonne High School hurricane‑related repairs, in the amount of $79,270.49. Funds for the change order were listed as FEMA dollars $71,345.24 and local funds $7,927.25; the recommendation authorizes the board president and superintendent to sign necessary documents.

District facilities staff explained the work covers fire‑rated walls and ceiling changes required after a construction inspection by the fire marshal. Mr. Merlin (district facilities staff) told the committee the changes respond to code requirements and to areas exposed when ceilings and soffits were removed during mold and mildew remediation. He noted the need for mechanical fire dampers and related walls around mechanical rooms and vents and said the mechanical damper for one exterior wall is a significant single cost, describing it as “probably 13 or 14,000 just for that one big fire damper.”

Committee members asked whether the change order would delay the project. Facilities staff said no additional days were requested. The change order was moved by Mr. Harding, seconded in committee, and no objections were recorded.

Committee members also received an update from Gary Beard, who reported progress at South Terrebonne High School and other projects. Beard said remediation and abatement in the auditorium is about 80% complete and the overall project is roughly 56–58% complete, with a contractual completion date currently in December 2025. He described progress on mechanical piping, chilled water lines, test‑fitted window frames awaiting fabrication, replacement of exterior metal panels, and ongoing electrical work.

Facilities and project staff provided additional local updates: Ehlinger demolition is approximately 60% complete with pile removal and backfilling advancing; the rebuild design team is working with FEMA on square‑footage comparisons and expects to present conceptual design materials to administration and the superintendent in coming weeks. Security‑related fencing and gate installations are underway at multiple campuses, and the district is planning canopy and admin‑wing work at Cochon (transcribed as “Cocho”) Bayou Blue and other school sites during the summer to avoid disrupting instruction.

District maintenance reported recent work orders (486 created, 324 completed) and noted several repair and renovation efforts across the district, including new softball fields at Allender and South Terrebonne and air‑conditioning repairs. The committee recommended approval of the change order and received the informational updates; final contract approvals and construction scheduling will continue through the district’s project management processes.