Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board authorizes short-term renewals for portable classrooms amid broader facilities concerns
Summary
The board authorized administration to renew existing portable-building leases (six months where possible, 12 months if required) to avoid costly buyouts while phase-two construction proceeds; members also discussed facility needs following a judge’s visit and accepted a certificate of completion for Kentwood High’s science lab renovation.
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board on May 20 authorized administration to renew portable-building leases on a short-term basis while the district advances planned construction.
Administration recommended six-month renewals where contract language would otherwise require immediate payout if a building is removed; if six-month terms are not allowed by vendors, administrators were authorized to sign 12-month renewals. ‘‘When we remove a building, then we have to pay out the remaining months of the contract,’’ an administrator said, explaining the rationale for short extensions to avoid large early-termination costs.
Board member Mr. Anthony moved to accept the administration’s recommendation and the motion passed unanimously. Members noted the district will inspect campuses to determine which units should be moved or replaced and whether replacement costs would be beneficial.
Separately, the board approved a certificate of substantial completion for the Kentwood High School science lab renovation by Brunt Construction, Inc., and members used the comments period to applaud graduates, principals and staff.
Several board members also summarized a recent visit by Judge Lamel to multiple campuses and said the judge observed facility needs parishwide; members said that, with unitary-status work advancing, they hope to focus more on facility upgrades.
The board entered an executive session to consider Wilson v. TPSB and later reported "no action needed and no recommendation" upon returning to open session. The meeting adjourned thereafter.
