Lafourche Parish School Board members on Dec. 4 approved a set of routine personnel and construction actions, and authorized a one-time deviation from a parish ordinance to allow alcohol sales at a nearby volunteer fire department fair.

The approvals were carried by motions from board members and staff presentations; several items drew brief discussion about safety, timelines and code compliance.

The board approved the 2024–25 personnel evaluation program as presented by staff. Robbie Lee, a district staff member who introduced the item, said the program includes updates tied to recent automation changes affecting teachers, leaders and counselors. The motion to adopt the evaluation program passed by voice vote with no recorded roll-call tally.

The board authorized the Bayou Blue Volunteer Fire Department to hold a community fair April 11–13, 2025, and to sell alcoholic beverages on fire-department property adjacent to Bayou Blue Upper Elementary School. Board members noted that a Lafourche Parish ordinance generally prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages within a set proximity of school grounds, and staff said the parish government has amended that ordinance to allow the school board to grant a temporary exception in specific cases. The board approved the permit request after hearing that the event will be off school grounds and outside school hours.

The board accepted a change order for hurricane-related demolition and abatement work at Bayou Boeuf Elementary School that will provide temporary power via a short-term utility pole. Andy Positeri, a district facilities staff member, said the contractor discovered unsafe existing power conditions during a site walkthrough and the district requested two options: a temporary pole or generator support. The district recommended the temporary pole as the less expensive option and said temporary power is required to run air-monitoring equipment during hazardous-material abatement. The change order was approved.

The board approved the low bid for a boiler-replacement project at the Bayou Building School. Robert Utley, representing facilities, said the project replaces two boilers in a tight mechanical plant; the board recommended equipment that is more readily available and has a smaller footprint to allow maintenance access. The recommended low bidder was B2 Refrigeration LLC with a total bid of $216,198. Utley told the board vendor lead times for the boilers were about four weeks once contracts and submittals are complete. The low-bid award was approved.

The board also approved hiring Planets Design Group (PCDDG) to design field-house and roof replacements at Central Lafourche High School and Thibodaux High School. Board discussion noted both facilities are actively leaking and that continued moisture is leading to mold and structural concerns. The motion to hire PCDDG carried with one abstention recorded for potential conflict of interest (the name of the abstaining member was not specified in the public record).

Votes and formal motions were recorded by voice vote; the meeting closed after the board set tentative committee and meeting dates for January and February 2025.

Votes at a glance:
- Approve 2024–25 personnel evaluation program — Motion: adopt program as presented; Mover: Miss Babin; Second: Mr. Wright; Outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Permit: Bayou Blue Volunteer Fire Department community fair (April 11–13, 2025) including alcohol sales on adjacent property — Motion: authorize permit; Mover: Miss Shorpenchett; Second: Miss Bourgeois; Outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Change order: Bayou Boeuf Elementary School demolition/abatement — Motion: accept temporary power pole change order; Mover: Dr. Guillot; Second: Miss Babin; Outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Contract award: Boiler replacement at Bayou Building School — Motion: award low bid to B2 Refrigeration LLC for $216,198; Mover/Second: recorded; Outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Professional services: Hire Planets Design Group (PCDDG) for field-house and roof replacements at Central Lafourche High School and Thibodaux High School — Motion: hire PCDDG; Mover: Dr. Guillot; Second: Mr. Duplantis; Outcome: approved with 1 abstention (potential conflict).

Board members and staff who presented or spoke during these items included Superintendent Martin; Robbie Lee (staff presenter on personnel evaluation); Andy Positeri (facilities, Bayou Boeuf change order); Robert Utley (facilities, boilers); and board members Valerie Bourgeois, Myron Wright, Dr. Dennis Guillot, Buffylaine Shorpenchett and Clyde Duplantis III.

The board set tentative committee meetings for January 2025 and a regular board meeting for Feb. 5, 2025, before adjourning.