Terrebonne Parish School Board approves contract extension and multiple Hurricane Ida repair change orders; moves to executive session

The Terrebonne Parish School Board voted Feb. 4, 2025, to extend a construction project management contract and approve four change orders tied to Hurricane Ida repairs, authorized funding from FEMA reimbursements and local sources for the work, approved two family-and-medical leaves, accepted committee reports and then moved into executive session to discuss pending litigation.

The actions were taken during the regular meeting at the school board office boardroom. Board members who made motions and seconds spoke during committee reports and the superintendent’s agenda; several items were presented by district staff and a representative of a contractor invited to address the board.

The most significant financial votes were taken on recommendations from the Buildings, Food Service and Transportation Committee. The board approved an extension of the existing construction project management services contract with Hammerman and Gainer LLC to continue work on the South Terrebonne High School repair project. The extension preserves the current hourly rates and a compensation limit of 4 percent of each final approved project worksheet, and authorizes the firm for a maximum period from Feb. 6, 2025, to Feb. 6, 2026, pending board attorney review and approval. Lou Reswerber, introduced himself as “CEO of HGI” and told the board it had been “an absolute honor and privilege” to serve the district.

The board also approved four change orders tied to hurricane response building repairs, with funding sources noted for each: a $159,209.46 change order at Evergreen Junior High to replace windows and doors on the west side of the music shop building and add HVAC, funded by FEMA reimbursement ($89,323.67) and local funds ($69,885.79); a…