LIVINGSTON, La. — The Livingston Parish School Board approved several construction-related change orders and recognized newly contracted administrators during its regular meeting on Sept. 18, 2025.
The meeting began with a unanimous vote to approve the minutes from the Sept. 4 meeting.
Jim Ziler of Ziler Architects addressed the board regarding a change order for the South Fork Junior High construction project. The proposed change involves the addition of an electric panel for the school’s HVAC system at a cost of $13,878.
Ziler noted that the firm would also absorb $32,872 in additional costs due to what he described as “an omission by the design team.”
“It’s a mistake on our part, and we feel it’s only fair to pick up what we are responsible for,” Ziler told the board. His transparency was met with several expressions of appreciation from board members. The change order was unanimously approved.
A second change order, added to the agenda during the meeting, focused on updates to the new fieldhouse under construction at Denham Springs High School. Jeff LaRosa of Coleman Partners Architects presented the proposed changes, which total $17,641 and do not extend the project timeline.
The updates include revisions and additions such as:
Fire Marshal and permit office design comments
Audio-visual infrastructure and electrical modifications
Additional CMU block in restroom chase walls
Restoration of previously deleted storefront windows
Brick finish changes
Epoxy flooring in the training room
A redesigned coaches’ suite
Revised ceiling heights
Concrete slurry mix at the press box foundations
Removal of visual display boards
If approved, the total cost of the project would be $6,230,385. The board approved the change order unanimously after brief discussion.
In other business, the board acknowledged the reversion of property donated in 2011 by Garry and Brenda Lewis. The land was transferred to the school board on April 14, 2011, with the intent that it be used for a future school. However, with no development having begun by the end of the agreed-upon timeframe, the property reverted back to the Lewises.
Superintendent Jody Purvis thanked the family for their generosity. “We do appreciate the generosity of Mr. Lewis for that offer,” he said.
The board also approved performance-based contracts for assistant and substitute principals. Aimee Spearman, who attended the meeting, received a round of applause from attendees in recognition of her new position.
The following contracts were approved unanimously:
Rebecca Forbes, Assistant Principal, South Fork Elementary
Wendi Dupont, Substitute Assistant Principal, Freshwater Elementary
Aimee Spearman, Substitute Principal, Walker Elementary
Superintendent Purvis closed the meeting with a brief update.
“We’re rolling along pretty good right now,” he said. “We have lots of great things going on in our schools… a lot of hard work going on in our schools, but I’m excited to see where we are right now.”
