Board approves ‘quick‑start’ bond projects list and authorizes related architect fee amendment

The Pacific Grove Unified School District board approved a quick‑start set of construction and campus projects on Sept. 4, directing staff to begin design and preconstruction work on Measure D items to be completed in the summer of 2026. The list focuses on priority‑one safety and accessibility work such as playground resurfacing, ADA paths of travel, fencing and selected site repairs at Forest Grove Elementary, Robert Down Elementary, Pacific Grove Middle School, Pacific Grove High School, the adult‑education campus and the David Avenue site.

Board packet presenters from Ausonio Inc. and Brailsford & Dunlavy described the list as an “attainable” first wave of work intended to spend Measure D balances now available, while preserving Measure B proceeds for larger HVAC and modernization projects in later years. The quick‑start package also includes program‑management and contingency lines and keeps the district’s bond compliance reporting software and construction oversight in place.

Dustin Connor and Cody Carpino described campus‑level scopes: playground resurfacing and ADA ramps at Forest Grove and Robert Down; site and generator work and paint projects at the middle school; an ADA path and perimeter fencing at the high school, and studies of adult‑education facilities and a conceptual feasibility study for relocating Community High School. Presenters noted that larger replacement projects — notably the middle‑school HVAC replacement — were retained for a future Measure B schedule because of lead times for equipment and budget scale.

After public comments from a Forest Grove staff member asking that an existing sandbox be replaced with play equipment rather than more picnic tables, trustees clarified design details and asked for installation timing that would not leave students without play opportunities. Trustees also pressed staff on how the list addresses ADA access, restrooms and deferred maintenance; district staff said restroom modernization remains a priority‑two item and will return in the later master schedule.

The board approved the quick‑start list and the associated amendment to DCA Architects’ contract for project design work. Trustees approved both motions 4‑0. Staff said the board will see a fuller prioritized master plan, budget estimates and proposed delivery methods (including design‑bid‑build, lease‑leaseback and design‑build) in November for prioritization of the district’s longer list of projects.