Board approves $38,688 change order and declares substantial completion for Albany Elementary cafeteria project

The Livingston Parish School Board approved Change Order No. 3 for the Albany Elementary School cafeteria addition and renovation and declared the project substantially complete, clearing the way for final inspections and the moving process.

Chris Banks, who presented the item as the project professional, recommended Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $38,687.63. Banks said the order covers items including newly completed stairs and ramps (work previously considered for removal from the base contract), paving adjustments behind the cafeteria to accommodate elevation changes and pallet-jack access, and installation of a chain‑link fence. Banks also said the project received a credit of about $6,500 for changing painted frames to anodized frames inside the building.

The board voted to approve the change order. Jeff Purcell moved the motion and Cecil Harris seconded; the motion carried.

On the related item of substantial completion, Banks and Superintendent Joe Purvis said the contractor was finishing remaining punch-list items and a small amount of concrete and handrails remained to satisfy the final inspection. Board members praised the contractor's communication and progress. The board then approved substantial completion so the district may begin the moving process once the final inspection is completed.

Both votes carried with no recorded opposition. The meeting record did not include a revised project completion date beyond the board's statement that remaining work should be finished within days to a few weeks; no additional contract amounts beyond Change Order No. 3 were disclosed.