In a pivotal meeting of the Terrebonne Parish School Board, a local firm, HGI, made a compelling case to become the project manager for upcoming school recovery projects. The firm, which boasts a rich history of 93 years and is the largest African American-owned third-party administration firm in Louisiana, emphasized its deep community ties and extensive experience in disaster recovery.

During the presentation, HGI's representative highlighted their successful management of significant recovery projects, including a $4 billion budget for Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. They underscored the importance of selecting a partner that understands the unique needs of the community, particularly given the diverse demographics of the student population, which includes a significant percentage of African American and Native American students.

HGI's commitment to financial responsibility was a key theme, with the representative noting that their financial statements are audited, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness. They also stressed the importance of meticulous documentation in securing FEMA reimbursements, a critical aspect of the recovery process.

The board members engaged with HGI, asking about their experience with school recovery and the potential for collaboration with FEMA. HGI reassured them of their capability to navigate the complexities of federal funding and emphasized their readiness to adapt to the school district's needs.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that HGI's local roots and proven track record could position them as a strong contender for the project management role, with board members expressing a desire to ensure that the best-qualified firm is chosen to support the recovery efforts in the community. The decision on the project manager will be crucial in shaping the future of the Terrebonne Parish School District as it seeks to recover and rebuild effectively.