School district advances stadium turf and substantial‑completion items for Hornville and Destrehan

Committee members reviewed several capital projects, including substantial‑completion notices and stadium turf replacements at Hornville and Destrehan High Schools.

Staff told the committee Hornville's AAA alumni center has achieved final inspection and fire marshal approval, with only minor punch‑list items remaining; formal acceptance will allow the contractor to begin the 45‑day lien period. Destrehan's project is close behind and was scheduled for fire‑marshal review the following day.

On stadium turf, staff and a civil/sports representative said they vetted a turf product at a national conference and found it reduces surface temperature and meets GMAX safety metrics. The new system does not use loose infill, which staff said should reduce ongoing grooming and maintenance. At Destrehan, the district plans to add a lift station as a safeguard for water evacuation in heavy rain.

Installation timelines are contingent on materials and weather, but staff said turf replacement should take about 60 days once work begins; the district plans to schedule procurement and construction so fields are ready before the fall football season. Board members asked whether old turf can be recycled or reused; staff said reuse is not recommended for older turf because of infill and age, though contractors sometimes post used rolls for pickup and recycling where feasible.

The committee discussed bid authorization and plans to return formal contract recommendations to the full board.