Board authorizes FEMA-funded repairs advertising and approves multiple construction change orders totaling small-dollar contract increases and timeline shifts

The Calcasieu Parish School Board on March 10 approved permission to advertise procurement opportunities for school nutrition equipment and discussed related hurricane-repair work that staff expects to have reimbursed through FEMA.

During discussion on an RFP for large and small food-service equipment, a board member asked whether FEMA funds remain available for repairs. Staff explained this is hurricane-related work that will be documented and submitted for reimbursement. "What we're doing is they have recognized we it needs to be done...we are expecting reimbursement on this, but we also expect it to cost $3,555,000," staff said, explaining that the district must document damage and then seek FEMA reimbursement through a standard process. The board voted to proceed with advertising the RFP.

Separately, the board approved construction contract items: a change order for Phase 4 improvements at Orde'Mello Middle School increasing the contract by $29,534 and a change-order time extension of 92 days for Phase 3 gym and site improvements at Washington Marion High School. Board members asked whether additional change-order days would be the last such request; staff replied that delays were largely tied to HVAC and electrical subcontractors.

Board votes on these items were recorded as carried during the meeting; the transcript did not list individual vote tallies. Staff said the FEMA reimbursement process will require documentation of damage and that costs will be submitted for recovery. The district will proceed with advertising procurement and finalizing contract paperwork and change-order documentation.