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American Press
11-07-2025
- Business
- American Press
School Board puts off HVAC decision for west side of district
(American Press Archives) The decision on the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) contract for the west side of the Calcasieu Parish school district has been halted a second time. A heated discussion about splitting HVAC contracts between two companies – one for the west side and one for the east side of the parish – that began in June was carried into the July Calcasieu Parish School Board meeting on Tuesday. The board was divided on the decision to move forward with splitting the district by maintaining Johnson Controls (JCI) services on the east side of the parish and granting a contract to a different company on the west side of the parish. The other three companies considered were Bernhard, Corporate Mechanical Contractors (CMC) and STAR. CPSB completed a request for proposals for HVAC services to begin on Nov. 1, 2025. The district's intention to complete the RFP was voiced at the October 2024 regular meeting, following a request from the long-range planning committee. At the same meeting, CPSB recommended that the board extend the contract with JCI for one year while the RFP was created by CSRS, a consulting firm. In June, the board was presented with the RFP and staff recommendations. After about two hours of discussion, the board voted to award the east side to JCI. The decision on the west side was delayed until July, so that staff could present more detailed recommendations. Board members were concerned about several things, including the higher cost of services for companies other than JCI, the number of available HVAC technicians, and the way distance would affect the quality of service. RFP interviews were held by CPSB staff in June. Superintendent Jason VanMetre said at the July meeting that staff found that since all companies could provide quality services, 'staff felt that price was a deciding factor and recommended Lafayette-based Bernhard. Bernhard's base annual cost of service is approximately $2.5 million, plus $433,628 for the cost of controls, totalling just over $3 million. STAR's base cost is $3.4 million, plus $377,160 for the cost of controls, totalling $3.8 million. CMC's base cost of service would have been $4.2 million, plus $3.3 million for controls cost, totaling $7.6 million. Bernhard and CMC would provide eight to 10 employees. STAR would provide 12 to 15. The proposals also include potential additional costs to convert CPSB's HVAC controls to a graphical user interface (GUI), which would modernize the district's systems. In the STAR contract, GUI conversion is required. At the start of the discussion, board member Tony O'Banion, District 10, suggested that the board actually grant the west side contract to JCI and dedicate $1 million annually to replace equipment throughout the district. He stated that while CPSB has had issues with JCI's services over the years, the service has improved since the district put millions into HVAC infrastructure. 'For years, we have chosen to cut the budget, and there were probably valid reasons at the time. We probably needed to cut,' he said. 'But we cut to the point where they couldn't perform. Once we increased it … they've done better. They've done preventative maintenance.' JCI's proposal for the west side includes 17 employees in the service area for a total cost of $2.4 million, with an optional first-year cost to convert to GUI controls. Board member Dean Roberts, District 6, suggested the board be willing to spend more money for better service, as 'Johnson Controls has not performed. Period.' 'We all debated that and we decided to split it. 'Here, we've gone through that process. We didn't do this to find the lowest price, the cheapest price, so we end up in the same boat. … Cheap has not worked.' After a series of failed motions, the board ultimately decided to table the discussion until August with a vote of 11-4. Board members Russell Castille, District 12; Glenda Gay, District 3; Aaron Natali, District 1; and Roberts voted against the tabling.
American Press
07-07-2025
- General
- American Press
LEAP scores show Calcasieu one of the top-growing academic districts in the state
(American Press Archives) The Calcasieu Parish School Board is one of the top-growing academic districts in the state, according to the Louisiana Department of Education's newest batch of LEAP test score data. The department released its annual Louisiana Educational Assessment Program test scores for the 2024-25 school year last week. Results were mixed statewide with young students showing a slight improvement in scores but high school-aged students experiencing a decline. Statewide, the number of third- through eighth-graders scoring overall mastery and above (Mastery+) improved by one percentage point to 35 percent. Thirty-five percent of high school students also scored mastery or above, but this is one percentage point lower than the 2023-24 school year. In Calcasieu Parish, the overall Mastery+ percentage for grades third through eighth — which includes ELA, math and science — improved by one percentage point. For grades third through 12th, 40 percent scored Mastery+, which is two points higher than last year. The top-growing schools in Calcasieu Parish were R.W. Vincent Elementary, Vinton High School and DeQuincy Middle School. These scores are a sign of the 'work and commitment' of CPSB students, teachers and staff, said Superintendent Jason VanMetre in a news release. 'Our students are succeeding because our teachers and staff are passionate about their profession and the success of students,' he said. 'We take pride in celebrating our schools, and today is a day of celebration for all of our people. We're grateful to have this data as we prepare for the year ahead and work toward an even higher performance in the 2025-2026 school year.' Statewide growth varied by subject. While ELA scores dipped in several grades, the percentage for Mastery+ stayed the same. Fourth grade improved by two percentage points and sixth by one percentage point, while third, fifth, seventh and eighth grades decreased. Overall, Louisiana students earning Mastery+ in math increased by two percentage points. The only grade level that decreased was fifth grade. Science scores increased overall, with only the third grade scores decreasing. Statewide high school scores decreased by one percentage point. For third through 12th grade, 25 school districts improved, 26 maintained and 18 declined. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said in a news release that 'while today's results show continued movement in the right direction, they also underscore the challenges ahead.' 'We must accelerate efforts to support educators, raise expectations for students, and maintain our laser focus on academic achievement.' The 2025-26 school year LEAP data will be calculated by the LDOE's revised system, 'Grow. Achieve. Thrive.' These standards are designed to 'be a catalyst for academic growth,' Brumley said.
