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Board authorizes phased interior classroom conversions at Apollo Elementary, estimates $750,000 cost
Summary
The committee approved staff recommendation to proceed with phased interior work at Apollo Elementary to convert open spaces into permanent classrooms; staff estimated a conservative total project cost of about $750,000 and said the work will be phased over two summers.
The Bossier Parish School Board Building and Grounds Committee authorized staff to proceed with phased interior conversions at Apollo Elementary to create permanent classrooms from existing open spaces.
Project presenter Mr. Rogier told the committee the work would enclose existing classroom footprints with permanent walls and make limited electrical modifications; the architect’s conservative estimate for the total project was approximately $750,000. The committee heard the work will likely be completed in two phases over two summers, with the district aiming to value‑engineer portions of the scope to lower costs.
“Right now, they they use an area for a classroom that is approximately 40 something feet by 20 something feet. And we're gonna create 2 classrooms out of that,” Rogier said, describing how partitions and open spaces would be converted into standard classroom sizes. He also said the building’s original mechanical layout is configured to accommodate multiple classrooms and would require only limited ductwork and electrical adjustments.
Committee members pressed for context about existing capacity and the modular classroom: one committee speaker asked, “What is the current capacity of Apollo?” and staff gave figures in the discussion. The transcript records differing numerical references: at one point staff said “Current capacity of Apollo right now is 762 students,” and elsewhere the meeting records “950 is the capacity with the modular building.” The project’s stated purpose is to provide permanent classroom space so the district can remove an aging modular building and avoid relocating special‑education classrooms outdoors during inclement weather.
Superintendent Roland reminded the committee that any change adding or subtracting classrooms must comply with the Department of Justice’s 60‑day notification process before work begins. “...any type of operation to any any school where we add or subtract classrooms is subject to DOJ 60 day notice to where we get their, their approval before we do anything,” Roland said.
Mr. Bullard moved that staff be authorized to proceed with the Apollo project, including contract amendments for design services and phased quote solicitations, with an estimated total cost of $750,000 to be funded by residual bond/committed construction funds. The motion was seconded and approved by the committee.
Why it matters: Staff said the work will rehousing classrooms now in an exterior modular building into permanent interior spaces, improving accessibility and protection from weather for students and staff.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with design contract amendments and solicit phased quotes; the project is contingent on required DOJ notification and approvals and on final bid pricing and value‑engineering outcomes.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to authorize staff to proceed with the Apollo Elementary interior classroom conversion project, issue contract amendments for design services, and solicit phased quotes with an estimated total cost of $750,000 to be funded by residual bond/committed construction funds. Mover: Mr. Bullard; Second: Mr. Falti; Outcome: approved (vote counts not specified).
