2 Eunice schools slated for roof replacements

Roofs at Eunice Elementary and Eunice Junior High School may be replaced this year if the St. Landry Parish School Board approves the work Thursday.
Claudia Blanchard, director of operations, said the replacements will cost $1,099,000, which is over the estimate of $750,000 made six to seven months ago.
Blanchard prices have been escalating in recent months due to tariffs driving up the cost of metal and wood products.
Blanchard, speaking at the Buildings, Lands and Sites Committee, said the work, which may start as early as mid-September, will have to be done in the evening.
Crews will start about 2:30 p.m. and work until 11 p.m. or midnight to avoid construction when students are in class, she said.
“I can’ be tearing off a roof with children underneath and I have no place to put them,” Blanchard said.
Advantage Roofing and Construction, of Downsville, was the low bidder out of two bids on the project, she said. The company was the contractor for the Beau Chene High School, she said,
Blanchard said air conditioning units will have to be moved from the roof to the ground, she said.
Also approved by the committee were:
— Roof replacement at the Sunset main building and classrooms on the side of the gym at a cost of $392,550. Chatmon Construction was the low bidder.
— Replacement of the roof at the main building of Grand Coteau Elementary.
— Extending the contract with Poché Prouet Associates for asbestos, architectural and engineering services for $12,000 a year.
— Accepting the recommendation of Don Leger, property manager, to not allow discharging firearms on lease property on Bayou Courtableau.