Milton Coats

The Building Committee meeting included several project updates and discussions on change orders. For the Julius Freyhan Project, an update noted that the Fire Marshal inspection is scheduled for June 18, 2025, flooring work is underway, and the elevator is expected next week, after which punch list work will commence. The committee recommended the full Board approve Change Order #13 for the Freyhan Project, which reflected a net decrease of $6118.97 due to foregoing fencing around the HVAC unit and replacing damaged fence at the rear property line. Regarding the Fieldhouse Project, duct work is being finished, exterior metal panels are due next week, and occupancy is anticipated beginning the week of July 7, 2025. The committee also recommended the full Board approve Change Order #2 for the Fieldhouse Project, resulting in an increase of $40,682.00 due to upgraded signage and sidewalk revisions.

The Building Committee meeting agenda focused primarily on discussions and recommendations for various change orders across multiple capital projects. Key items included discussing and recommending Change Order #14 for West Feliciana High School (WFHS), Change Order #7 for West Feliciana Elementary School (WFES), Change Order #3 for the Baseball/Softball Project, and Change Order #2 for the WFHS Stadium Renovation & Addition Project. The meeting also included an update on the Fieldhouse and a general Construction Update.

The Building Committee meeting addressed several project updates. For the Julius Freyhan Project, the contractor is addressing punch list items, with substantial completion anticipated soon and furniture shipment expected mid-August. Discussion included the Letter of Intent for the management of the Freyhan building, which contains a proposal from Louisiana Hospitality Group. The committee reviewed the architectural agreement for Freyhan Renovation, Phase II, which is pending attorney review before presentation for approval. Change Order #14 for the Freyhan Project, resulting in a net decrease of $14,021.00 due to unused materials, was recommended for approval to the full Board. The Fieldhouse Project update indicated an estimated completion by the end of July, equipment delivery in August, and recent installation of the new track. Discussion of Change Order #3 for the Fieldhouse Project, which resulted in an increase of $52,603.00 due to changes like an additional storage room and tile in showers, was tabled as final numbers had not yet been received.

The Building Committee meeting primarily focused on two construction updates. For the Julius Freyhan renovation, the location of the proposed elevator required modification due to concerns about trimming a mature tree, necessitating approval from the Planning and Zoning department for the new site map. Bids received for this project were over budget, requiring architects to review cost-cutting measures. Regarding the fieldhouse update, the structure is fully demolished, and the committee is awaiting the Geo Tech report to determine the necessary foundation specifications before the construction team is brought on site.

The Board convened to address several administrative and operational items. Recognition was given to a board member for obtaining certification. Key resolutions were adopted, including a mandatory school board member training resolution and authorization to negotiate contracts for the Office of Head Start for the upcoming fiscal year. The Board approved a differentiated compensation stipend, adopted nine new or updated policies, and accepted the second-quarter financial reports for the Lunch and General Funds. Furthermore, various budget revisions across multiple grant and general funds were sanctioned. Finally, the Board reviewed and approved several requests for the use of district facilities for community and school-related activities.