The Terrebonne Parish School Board held a special meeting on July 25, 2025, to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Ida and the selection of SafeWork as the project manager for rebuilding educational infrastructure in the area. The meeting featured Eric Kuntz, Senior Director of Disaster Recovery at SafeWork, who emphasized the importance of restoring schools and hospitals as essential functions for community recovery.

Kuntz, a Louisiana native and combat veteran, shared his personal connection to the devastation caused by disasters, highlighting the emotional and economic toll on families and communities. He stressed that the School Board's focus should be on future growth and expansion rather than getting stuck in the past. SafeWork, founded in 1992, specializes in program and project management, grant administration, and consulting services for public agencies, and Kuntz expressed confidence in their ability to manage the recovery process effectively.

The SafeWork team introduced themselves, showcasing their extensive experience in disaster recovery and project management. Kiana Bella, the program director, noted her 17 years of experience in educational project management, while Michelle Puesa Harker, a local resident, brought 25 years of emergency management experience. Daniel Shingle and Kimberly Mueller also highlighted their backgrounds in disaster recovery and community outreach, respectively.

The team outlined their "quick start strategy," which includes evaluating critical planning items such as budgets and schedules, reviewing damage assessments, and generating a risk management plan. They aim to prioritize projects and procure necessary vendors to ensure a smooth recovery process.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from SafeWork to work closely with the Terrebonne Parish School Board and the community to restore educational facilities and support the recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The collaborative approach aims to ensure transparency and effective communication throughout the rebuilding process.