OUSD board approves preconstruction step for Villa Park 50-meter pool amid contract scrutiny

The Orange Unified School District Board on Tuesday authorized preconstruction services for the Villa Park High School Aquatic Center and approved pursuing the project through a lease-leaseback contracting method, a delivery approach the district says will help secure a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) later in the process.

District counsel and facilities staff described the lease-leaseback process as a way to bring a contractor into design discussions early and to limit change orders at construction. “Using lease-leaseback allows for an early collaboration between the selected contractor and the architect to try to develop the site plans, the drawings, contain the costs,” said counsel during the presentation. The board’s action authorizes the preconstruction phase and a $45,000 payment to the selected contractor to begin planning work.

Why it matters: Board members and public speakers said the project would replace an aging pool and expand community and competitive swimming capacity. Supporters argued a 50‑meter pool would let Villa Park host larger meets, serve multiple teams simultaneously and bring revenue to local businesses.

What supporters said: Student and community advocates emphasized safety and competitive benefits. “Building a 50 meter pool is not just for the high school, but it's for the community,” said Jay Hickman, a Villa Park High sophomore and swimmer, in public comment.

What opponents raised: Several speakers questioned the district’s selection of the recommended contractor, citing a county audit (FCMAT) and earlier criminal investigations in a different district. “Did you consider that they participated previously in fraud before awarding them this contract?” asked a parent and commenter during public comment, pointing to concerns raised in other districts about vendors that had worked on school projects.

District response and safeguards: Staff said the RFP process included mandatory pre-bid meetings, interviews and scoring; the evaluation committee included legal and purchasing staff and a facilities director. Counsel explained the preconstruction authorization does not start construction and that the GMP will be returned to the board for review after DSA (Division of the State Architect) approval. Counsel also described typical contingency allowances folded into the final GMP to absorb unforeseen conditions.

Budget and schedule notes: Staff presented the project’s estimate and procurement rationale. The RFP used an estimated construction figure of $13,000,000 for contractor pricing, and staff noted that total project costs (including soft costs and contingencies) could be higher — materials and site-specific requirements were described as variables to be finalized during preconstruction. Staff said certain manufacturing lead times, procurement steps and DSA review are on the critical path.

Board outcome: After public comment and board questions about cost controls and vendor due diligence, the board moved and approved the preconstruction authorization and framework for the lease-leaseback approach (vote recorded as passing on the record). District staff said the full construction authorization and GMP will return to the board for approval after preconstruction and DSA approvals.

What’s next: The district will proceed with the preconstruction collaboration, complete soils and other studies during the preconstruction phase, and return to the board with a final GMP and construction-phase documentation for approval.