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OPSB property committee receives capital‑projects update; security‑shutter design paused after fire‑marshal review
Summary
Capital Projects staff reported progress across multiple school projects (chillers, HVAC, roofing, generator installations) and said a proposed security‑shutter design at Alfred Lawless was paused after the fire marshal raised egress concerns; staff are reworking the design and have only incurred architect fees to date.
Capital Projects staff presented March facility updates at the Orleans Parish School Board property committee on March 24, reporting completed and in‑progress work across the district and flagging one paused design due to life‑safety concerns.
Staff said two new rooftop chillers were installed at the Timbers facility (enterprise fund), additional rooftop units were added at other schools, a chiller was set at Joseph Craig and generator work at Samuel J. Green is complete. At Katherine Johnson, HVAC and roofing work is largely done and fire‑alarm additions are planned for summer construction; various other roofing, HVAC and envelope projects are in design, awards or construction across the FY23–FY26 portfolios.
On Alfred Lawless, staff explained that the proposed storefront shutters would not meet the fire marshal’s requirement that shutters be openable from the inside to prevent entrapment. John Holmes of Capital Projects said the team is discussing options (including a double‑door solution), has only incurred architect fees so far and will seek a solution that preserves the building while it remains unoccupied. Holmes also outlined the scope of miscellaneous repairs completed at Leah Chase (brick pointing, window replacements and plaster work) and said staff will continue phased, lower‑cost maintenance rather than a single large retrofit.
Board members thanked staff for the work and asked for updates on outstanding costs and timelines. Staff said they will bring further details to the board as projects move to subsequent phases.
