The Beauregard Parish School Board voted to reject all award bids for a second air-conditioning (AC) upgrade after two responsive bids exceeded the district's budget by roughly $500,000.

Administration reported three companies bid for the AC project; one was disqualified for incomplete paperwork and the two remaining bids were significantly higher than budgeted (reported amounts about $1.3 million and $1.4 million). The presenter told trustees that tariffs and supply-chain factors had driven material costs higher and that some bid differences may relate to subcontractor use.

"Those bids ' were both in excess of 500,000 more than we have budgeted," the presenter said, describing the mismatch between available funds and bid prices. The superintendent and staff said they had spoken with the architect (CD Morgan) and planned to reconvene in January when the architect could answer specific technical and procurement questions. The new bid process is scheduled to complete on January 29, according to materials presented.

Given the budget variance and procurement concerns, a trustee moved to reject the award of bids; the board unanimously approved the motion to reject and directed staff to return with updated information and the architect at the January meeting.

Administration also noted two boilers at Maryville require attention and that some costs previously included in the AC projection may be reallocated to address those boilers as the district finalizes needs and a revised scope.

No contractor was selected at this meeting and the board did not authorize a budget increase; trustees emphasized transparency and communication during the rebid process.