Reconstructing Calcasieu Parish Public Schools

Infrastructure

Restoring Learning Environments at Scale

In less than three years, two major hurricanes devastated Calcasieu Parish, damaging 74 of 76 schools and leaving 15 severely impacted. Dynamic stepped in to restore safe learning environments, delivering $61 million in critical repairs funded by FEMA Public Assistance.

Dynamic led the reconstruction of nearly 900,000 square feet of educational facilities. Due to the aggressive renovation plans to get the schools operational in a timely manner, Dynamic mobilized a full staff of project managers, superintendents, and general laborers within days of receiving each NTP, working to complete demolition of damaged sheetrock, removing insulation, debris, and unsafe exposed electrical. The expedited mobilization mitigated further weather damage and delays that would have posed as another obstacle in the reconstruction plans.

Our scope included:

  • HVAC ductwork modifications and electrical system overhauls
  • Multiple roof replacements
  • Custom auditorium and theater renovations
  • Upgrades to cafeterias, classrooms, offices, and bathrooms

Our largest assignment was the $21 million phased reconstruction of WW Lewis Middle School, designed to maintain student safety while construction advanced in separate campus zones. Dynamic completed the summer phase in just one month—well ahead of district expectations.

Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

Hurricane recovery brought unique challenges, from material shortages to hidden design flaws. Dynamic worked proactively to keep projects on track:

  • Material Shortages: When a worldwide shortage of polyisocyanurate insulation threatened a six-month delay, we collaborated with architects to redesign the roof system using lightweight concrete and retrofitted steel decking, minimizing delays
  • Design Flaws: At LaGrange High School, our team identified a critical HVAC return system flaw and partnered with engineers to redesign it, ensuring safe, efficient performance

Other challenges on these projects included planning to permit students back on campus while reconstruction efforts continue. For example, the reconstruction of Lewis Middle School was designed in phases, allowing for the work to continue safely while students attended classes in another part of the campus.

Results That Matter

Through proactive problem-solving and close collaboration with school board officials, engineers, and subcontractors, Dynamic:

  • Restored vital learning environments across Calcasieu Parish
  • Returned more than 3,300 students to safe, modern classrooms
  • Delivered results on schedule and within budget, despite unprecedented obstacles

Why It Matters

Schools are more than buildings—they are centers of community stability. By restoring Calcasieu Parish’s education system after back-to-back hurricanes, Dynamic:

  • Helped ensure continuity of education for thousands of students.
  • Strengthened the community’s long-term resilience and recovery.
  • Proved our ability to deliver large-scale, multi-facility construction under emergency conditions.

Partner With Us

Dynamic specializes in education infrastructure recovery that restores safe, functional learning environments after disasters. Our work in Calcasieu Parish demonstrates how we deliver complex projects with speed, precision, and compliance.

👉 Explore More Projects to see how we rebuild schools, universities, and community facilities.