Board approves multiple school design projects and roofing contract; Champ Cooper expansion debated
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Summary
The board approved combined design moves to replace portables at multiple campuses, awarded a $964,000 roof replacement contract for Punchettula High, accepted HVAC substantial completions, and approved a 10-classroom Champ Cooper design over objections from members who pushed for a larger 20-classroom plan.
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board on Dec. 2 approved several facilities and procurement actions, including combined approvals to move design work forward on multiple campus additions and a $964,000 roofing contract for Punchettula High School.
Board members voted to combine items e through j to proceed to design for projects that include removing portable classrooms and adding permanent classrooms at Hammond Eastside Upper, Sumner Middle, Loranger Elementary, Natalbany, and Independence High (RFQ for architects to follow). The motion passed after discussion of site plans and scope.
The board accepted the lowest bid of $964,000 from She Builds Roofing and Construction LLC for Punchettula High School reroof, removal and replacement (TPSS project 2024-024-008). Members discussed earlier installation failures, potential redecking of about "11,000 or 12,000" square feet, and ongoing litigation related to the prior roofing work; officials said the new contract includes allowances for decking replacement and parapet repairs.
The board also accepted substantial completion for Sharkey Mechanical Services LLC on three gym/HVAC projects (Champ Cooper, Lucille Neeson, Perron Early Learning Center).
Champ Cooper debate: the board voted to proceed with court-approved design for a 10-classroom Champ Cooper Phase 2; several members argued for a 20-classroom addition and a gym to address growth and avoid future portable classrooms. "I feel like we need 20 classrooms," one board member said during debate; the motion to proceed with the 10-classroom design carried.
What happened next: Staff will issue RFQs for architects on the approved design projects, proceed with the roofing procurement and schedule follow-up reporting on construction and litigation implications.
Clarifying details: The roofing award cites project code TPSS 2024-024-008; the roofing contractor and dollar amount were stated on the record. The Champ Cooper motion advanced design as previously approved by the court; dissenters asked the board to reopen scope for a larger project in phase 3.