Architects and contractors report steady progress on Terrebonne Parish school projects; ballistic windows, drainage and scheduling flagged

Architects, district staff and project teams updated the Buildings, Food Service and Transportation Committee on June 26 about progress at multiple Terrebonne Parish school sites, reporting steady construction progress while flagging long-lead security items and some infrastructure replacements.

Andy Positary of GFP Design said contractors poured roughly 600 cubic yards of concrete on an elevated second-floor deck at Upper Little Caillou Elementary and that work equates to about 20% of that floor plan despite wet weather delays. "The contractors continuing to make pretty good progress," he told the committee.

An Orchestrate project intern reported South Terrebonne Middle School is about 65% complete on a 600-day contract, with 85% of block walls finished, roof dry-in complete, mechanical and plumbing rough-in ongoing and the kitchen hood installed. The intern said the team has recorded 26 adverse rain days but is "hitting the ground running" and working daily to keep the schedule.

Steve Rome of Burgess Rome Architects updated Terrebonne High School work: selective demolition and ground-floor asbestos removal are largely complete, third-floor testing was imminent and infrastructure priorities include IT readiness. Rome said the band room is projected to be complete in November and the overall schedule targets a March 2028 milestone for broader occupancy.

Board members asked about ballistic-rated glass for Acadian lobby renovations and were told those windows and doors are long-lead items with 12–16 week manufacturing times. The architect stated the installed glazing will be Level 3 rated; on the record the architect said Level 3 covers certain high-caliber handgun fire but is not rated for high-powered rifles such as an AK-47, which would require much higher (and costly) ratings.

The board also discussed subsurface infrastructure at Terrebonne High, including degraded clay drainage pipes. The architect said the team has video-inspected and x-rayed lines and will selectively replace sections that are failing (noting areas near the spectator gym and the line that runs toward Adu Street).

Several projects noted target milestones: Shriever perimeter fencing and South Terrebonne softball work are expected to be completed before the applicable sports season or school use; the Fletcher Lewis Miller renovation has a one-year construction window with notice to proceed issued and boots on ground expected within 30–45 days; and Grand Caillou had its first pile-cap pours and is progressing toward grade beams and steel erection.

The committee did not take further action on these updates; the maintenance-department update was deferred to the full board meeting so the absent maintenance lead can attend.

The committee adjourned after the updates and will proceed with further oversight and reporting as the construction teams provide updated schedules and bid advertisements on the authorized projects.