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School board approves construction change orders, selects ESJH designer and authorizes up to $19.75M bond refunding
Summary
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board approved two contract change orders totaling $75,897.34, unanimously selected Yeates Mancil Architects for ESJH front entrance upgrades, and authorized up to $19,750,000 in bond refunding. Motions were carried with one member repeatedly voting no and one abstention on the financing resolution.
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board on April 23 approved a set of construction contract adjustments, unanimously selected a designer for front entrance upgrades at ESJH, and authorized a resolution to seek financing not to exceed $19,750,000 to refund outstanding Series 2022 Hurricane Recovery Revenue Bonds.
During new business, Ryan Smith of engineering firm Volkert asked the board to accept Change Order 2 for the John L. Ory mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements project for $52,152.94 with no additional calendar days. Patricia Triche moved and Shawn Wallace seconded the motion; the item passed with eight yes votes, one no (Albert "Ali" Burl III) and one member marked not present.
Smith also requested acceptance of Change Order 6 for the West St. John High School new fieldhouse, for $23,744.40 and an extension of 20 calendar days. Patricia Triche moved and Raydel Morris seconded; the motion carried with nine yes votes and one no (Albert "Ali" Burl III). The transcript records that funds for both change orders will be derived from the 2022 Capital Improvement Bond.
On the selection of an architect for the ESJH front entrance upgrades, Shawn Wallace moved to select Yeates Mancil Architects after architectural presentations (Lachin Darre Architects APC, Yeates Mancil Architects and N-Y Associates, Inc.). Patricia Triche seconded; the board voted unanimously to select Yeates Mancil Architects.
The board also considered a resolution, recommended by the Finance Committee, authorizing the Parish School Board to proceed with financing in an amount not to exceed $19,750,000 through the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority to issue revenue refunding bonds for the purpose of refunding the outstanding Hurricane Recovery Revenue Bonds (St. John the Baptist Parish School Board Project), Series 2022. Patricia Triche moved the resolution and Jennifer Frizzell seconded; the motion passed with one abstention (Albert "Ali" Burl III) and the remaining members voting yes.
Earlier in the meeting the board approved the March 26, 2026 meeting minutes (motion by Patricia Triche, seconded by Shawn Wallace).
Public commenters on these agenda items included Ryan Smith (Volkert), Anthony Miller (regarding the designer selection), and Rene Mire (who addressed the March budget-to-actual report). The transcript does not include additional contract details beyond the amounts, the listed source of bond funds, or any amended contract language; it likewise does not record proposed financing rates or bond terms.
The board president reminded members that Tier 3 financial disclosure forms are due May 15, 2026. The items approved will proceed under established contract and finance processes with administrative follow-up as needed.
