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Board reviews plan to convert former library to classrooms at Chalmette High and approves districtwide safety upgrades
Summary
Architects outlined a plan to convert the former public library space into roughly 11,000 sq ft of classrooms with estimated cost $2.5M–$2.75M; staff also described safety upgrades including ~6,000 sq ft of security film, card‑access at 72 doors and Evolve threat detection expansion to middle schools.
Board members received an update on a facility reconfiguration and district safety measures on Oct. 14. David Lakin of Lakin (the project consultant) described two scopes for Chalmette High School: Scope A converts the former public library into classroom space (about 11,000 square feet) accommodating six full‑size classrooms and one half‑size classroom plus support spaces; Scope B encloses a connecting breezeway (about 1,800 square feet). Lakin said the project is tracking between $2.5 million and $2.75 million, with schematic design deliverable due next week, construction documents to follow, public bidding projected mid–late January, and a construction start targeted in February for an 8–10 month timeline.
During and after the presentation, district staff outlined safety measures funded in part by a safety and security grant and district millage allocations. Staff said the district will "install approximately 6,000 square feet of security film at all of our storefront entrances" to harden glass and slow forced entry. In addition, the district plans to install controlled card‑scan access at about 72 doors across all buildings; staff noted benefits including the ability to disable lost cards and record access events. The district also plans to expand the Evolve threat detection system to middle schools; staff said installations for film and card access are expected to begin in mid‑November and take two to three months, and Evolve deployment is targeted for the start of the next semester or January.
Board members asked about single‑point‑of‑entry impacts; staff said the classroom conversion and breezeway enclosure are designed not to change single‑point‑of‑entry arrangements. Staff also agreed to provide updates as schematic design and bidding progress.
