Board approves substantial completions for two projects and hears broad construction update

The Saint Tammany Parish School Board finance committee voted unanimously July 10 to accept the architect‑conditioned recommendations of substantial completion for two projects: Salomon High School female sports locker room and home‑side concessions (Project P0435) and Bonnie Cole Elementary School paving repairs, asphalt mill and overlay (Project P0307). Both approvals were “subject to the architect's recommendations, submission of all regulatory requirements, and approval of superintendent Javi,” according to the presenter.

Construction staff provided a broad status report on summer projects at dozens of schools. Highlights included near‑completion of termite damage repairs to gym locker rooms, roofing work underway for canopy replacements, replacement of some portable classroom buildings, water‑line repairs, interior renovations (including repurposing an old walk‑in cooler into dry storage) and new sidewalks and drainage work at multiple campuses. The construction office said it expects to complete or “button up” many projects before school starts and that final inspections were pending on several items.

The motion on the Salomon High School project was made and seconded and the committee “passed unanimously.” The paving repairs at Bonnie Cole Elementary also passed unanimously. Board members asked for confidence in revised completion dates on projects undergoing termite repairs; construction staff said work was near completion and inspections were scheduled.

Why it matters: facilities readiness and repairs directly affect whether schools can open safely and whether students have access to functional classrooms, cafeterias and athletic facilities.

Operational note: several projects remain subject to final inspection, regulatory signoffs and the architect’s final recommendations; those approvals will determine the projects’ final acceptance and any contract close‑out.