The Ouachita Parish School Board voted to award a $2,377,000 contract to Mann's Construction for cafeteria renovations and approved a separate vendor purchase of $66,944.94 for small-group intervention classroom furniture.

Mister Jared Peters, the district official who presented the bid evaluations, told the board the recommended award for Bid 5-26 (Linable cafeteria renovations) exceeds the budgeted $2.3 million and asked for approval. "I'll be requesting the board to approve Mann's Construction in the amount of $2,377,000," Peters said. The board moved, seconded and approved the award by voice vote with no opposition.

Peters also presented Bid 12-26 for small-group intervention classroom furniture, with a budget of $80,000 and a recommended purchase of $66,944.94. That award was likewise moved, seconded and approved without opposition.

The board also granted permission to solicit bids and RFPs for several upcoming projects. Peters outlined four solicitations: playground equipment at Stronton Elementary (budget $85,000; funding from timber allotment and PTO funds), a roof replacement at West Washtenaw High School (budget $675,000; M&O funding), a roof replacement at Corolli (budget $375,000; M&O), and RFP 22-26 for an online marketplace with various funding sources. A motion to grant permission to bid those items carried unanimously.

Board members asked follow-up questions about specific site access and property issues related to timber work; Peters said he would verify details with Newt Briggs and follow up with the board. The business on bids and permissions concluded with approvals recorded by the chair.

The procurement decisions will allow district facilities and curriculum teams to proceed to contracting and purchasing steps; timelines for each project were not specified during the meeting.