Committee approves design work for three high school tracks after debate over scope and procurement

The Tangipahoa Parish School System Committee of the Whole voted to authorize administration to begin design and feasibility work for track and field resurfacing projects at Sumner High, Ponchatoula (Punschlow/Ponchatoula) High and Hammond High.

Committee members emphasized the need to inspect subsurface conditions and to avoid repeat deterioration: administrators said Hammond High likely has a subsurface "belly" that holds water, which accelerates track failure and could require base repairs beyond surface overlaying. The board was told that without addressing water infiltration, resurfacing alone will not be durable.

Board discussion focused on procurement and cost control. Several members questioned why architect fees (discussed in the meeting as roughly $22,000 per site) were included instead of obtaining quotes from specialized track contractors. One board member suggested using contractors who have previously done district tracks to provide both assessment and pricing rather than paying separate architect fees.

Administration said the authorization is to develop a program and feasibility so the district can return with firm recommendations and costs; it stressed that the listed design fees are maximums and that administration will stop work if feasibility shows the project is not viable. One board member noted prior walk-throughs with contractor representatives and the district's coaches.

Motion and vote: The motion to combine and approve the design work for the three tracks was made by Mister Piazza and seconded by Mister Duncan; the motion carried.

Next steps: Administration will conduct sub-surface inspections (soil borings as needed), confirm whether each site needs full base repair or only resurfacing, obtain contractor input for comparative pricing and return to the board with phased recommendations and cost estimates.