Board approves change orders, accepts substantial completion for South Fork Junior High turn‑lane project

The Livingston Parish School Board on the evening approved two change orders, accepted a certificate of substantial completion and was told the South Fork Junior High / Louisiana Highway 447 left/right turn lane project remains within budget.

Architect Jim Zeiler described change order #1 as an add of $6,935.52 resulting from unforeseen soil at a culvert or drain line discovered after demolition; that change order brought the revised contract amount to $1,321,935.52. "It was unforeseen, and I'd ask that y'all approve this change order, as we submitted it," Zeiler said.

The board approved the motion to accept change order #1 after Miss Cochran moved to approve and Mister Jeff Cox seconded; the board voted by voice and the motion carried with no opposition.

Zeiler then presented change order #3, describing two items: upgrading the junior high cafeteria flooring to a Tarkett product (a negotiated add of about $22,475) and additional painting costs of $5,906 due to color changes, for a total addition of $28,381 and a stated new contract price of $21,393,440.41. Zeiler said the upgrade will reduce maintenance and match the school's color scheme. Mister Jeff Cox moved to approve and Caitlin Cockerham seconded; the board approved by voice vote.

On the certificate of substantial completion, Zeiler stated the project was complete and that $23,800 in punch‑list items had been corrected. The board approved accepting the certificate after a motion from Mister Jeff Cox and a second from Miss Kagan Cockram.

No board member raised opposition during the votes. The board was told the project remains under budget and that the flooring change is intended to reduce long‑term maintenance costs.