By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LUTCHER – The St. James Parish School Board this week accepted a price of $58,500 from Zimmer-Eschette Services II LLC for the demolition of the Lutcher High School Stadium.

Although the board had originally intended to ask for quotes on the demolition of both high school stadiums, because work will not begin on the St. James High School stadium until after the upcoming football season, contractors said they would not be able to hold the price for the demolition of the west bank stadium.

The board also noted that because the project’s cost came in under $150,000, the district did not have to go through the formal bidding process but instead sought quotes on an invitation-only basis.

While board members did get to see an artist’s rendition of the proposed Lutcher High stadium, they were not provided a copy of the demolition contract in time to approve it at Tuesday’s meeting.

“We haven’t seen it yet,” said Superintendent Alonzo Luce. “As soon as we see it, we’ll move forward.”

Once the contract is approved, contractors will have 30 days to complete the demolition.

The district began advertising for bids for the construction of the stadium this week and will receive bids on March 11. That leaves a five-month window to get the new stadium ready in time for football season. It was noted, however, St. James High stadium will be available for the Lutcher team if the stadium is not ready in time.

The board also accepted as substantially complete the renovations of the district’s bus barn.

The board generally praised the work of Perry Segura in remodeling the structure, but board member Carol Lambert asked if any work was planned for the interior of the barn.

As there were no plans for further upgrades to the interior, Lambert said, “Some things still need a facelift. We’ll put that on our project list.”

Also up for approval Tuesday was the calendar for the 2011-12 school year. Administrative Director od Student Services Gaynell Albert said district employees were given a few different versions of the calendar from which to choose.

“The calendar that you did receive is the one that the most teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, etc., voted on,” said Albert.

The board approved the calendar unanimously.

According to the calendar, St. James Parish public school students will begin classes on Monday, Aug. 8. The final day for the students will be Thursday, May 24, 2012.

Thanksgiving holidays will be Nov. 21-25, and the last day of the first semester will be Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Students will return for the second semester on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012.

Mardi Gras holidays are Feb. 20-22, Easter break is April 5-9, and spring break is April 25-27.