Measure S updates and early-learning expansion highlighted as district reports progress on high-school projects and preschool/TK enrollment

District and facilities staff updated the board on Measure S construction progress and described an expansion of early-learning services across Orange Unified School District.

Communications staff played a Measure S phase‑2 video and Isabella (Isla) Vasquez, senior executive director of facilities development and planning, reported that Measure S is a $288,000,000 general-obligation bond passed in 2016 and is funding campus modernization and construction projects at the district’s comprehensive high schools. She highlighted specific site work: Canyon High School’s 500 Building classroom reconstruction, Almadena High School quad renovation and interior building overhauls, Orange High School’s two‑story classroom and student services building nearing enclosure, and Villa Park High School construction scheduled for completion the following summer.

Early-learning staff presented the district’s preschool, Transitional Kindergarten (TK), and Orange Pre‑K programs. Renee Ybarra and colleagues said the district currently serves more than 1,300 children across LearningLink, California State Preschool Program (CSPP), the Child Development Center (CDC), Orange Pre K and TK. They reported approximately 275 children enrolled in state-funded CSPP preschools and 648 TK students across 31 classrooms. Staff described Quality Start OC recognitions, a plan to add licensed 3‑year‑old preschool classrooms at 12 elementary sites for the coming year, and an expansion of CDC hours to permit a 5:00 p.m. pickup to support working families.

First 5 Orange County staff addressed the board during public comment to celebrate longstanding partnership and to note that countywide efforts reach tens of thousands of families; the board later approved a First 5 partnership item. Early-learning staff also announced an Early Learning Roundup scheduled for April 27 as an outreach and resource event for families of young children.

Trustees thanked staff for the updates and asked that ribbon-cutting and celebration dates for completed Measure S projects be shared when final occupancy dates are confirmed. The reports were informational; where applicable the board approved related consent items.