District construction update: several school projects near completion; meeting set to resolve punch-list items at Sterlington Middle

Ouachita Parish School District facilities staff reported progress on multiple renovation and construction projects and scheduled a site meeting to complete remaining work at Sterlington Middle School.

Facilities staff told the board that good weather has accelerated work and that five projects — including work at West Ouachita, Stearns(en) High School, Lemuel Calhoun Elementary and Richwood Middle School — are expected to be completed within the next two months. Staff called out progress on punch-list items and said many sites saw meaningful advances since the previous report.

Regarding Sterlington Middle School, facilities staff said the contractor was 95 to 99 percent complete on punch-list items; the outstanding item is site work, which staff said crews will tackle with favorable weather. The facilities director said he planned a Friday 9 a.m. meeting at Sterlington Middle with the owner, contractor, architect and a board member to review remaining items and the roof warranty.

Board members asked that staff ensure the contractor meets the 30-day deadline set at a prior meeting and that contingency plans be prepared if the contractor does not complete the work within that timeframe. Facilities staff said the contractor was aware of the 30-day timeline and had assured staff he would complete the punch list.

Facilities staff also reported no leaks at Mobley Elementary after recent rains, and updated the board that several projects were on track for close-out. The board did not vote on construction contracts during this portion of the meeting; staff updates were informational and the board directed staff to convene the site meeting at Sterlington Middle.

Staff said they would follow up with details after the site meeting; no additional budget adjustments were requested at the meeting.