School board tables HVAC overhaul, approves multiple repair contracts and roofing project design

St. John the Baptist Parish School Board members debated options to repair or replace HVAC systems at Emily C. Watkins and ultimately tabled the decision, while approving several construction contracts for district facilities.

Architectural representative Ms. Cindy Janecke (Yeates Mancil Architects) presented four HVAC options with estimated costs ranging from no immediate cost (maintain existing system) to $4.12 million for a new VRF system covering all areas. After discussion, a substitute motion by Jones and second by Holden to table the HVAC selection carried by roll call (8 yeas); the board deferred selecting a repair option pending further consideration.

The board approved advertising for interior and roof repairs at Emily C. Watkins (motion by Schum, second by Holden), awarded repairs to LaPlace Elementary to CDX Construction, and approved stadium repairs at West St. John and East St. John High Schools to The Luster Group. The board also approved moving forward with design and advertisement for the John L. Ory Roofing project after a successful motion to waive policy and approve design/advertising.

Procurement votes included awarding welding supplies to Industrial Welding Gas and Supply and locksmith services to Silver & Gold. Several of the construction and supply awards passed on unanimous or strong roll-call votes with absent members noted in the record.

Next steps: the HVAC decision remains tabled; advertised repair projects will proceed to bid and contracting based on approved design and advertisement plans.