Apple Valley board directs use of COP proceeds to fund Granite Hills stadium design

The Apple Valley Unified School District board voted unanimously to direct staff to fund design and DSA approval for a proposed athletic facility at Granite Hills High School using existing certificate of participation (COP) proceeds and other revenue sources.

Assistant Superintendent Matthew Schulenberg told trustees the district has about $3 million in COP proceeds in Fund 40 and estimated the design and DSA approval work would cost roughly $2 million to $2.5 million. "As we finish the conceptual design, then we get into construction document drawing, DSA approval and that's a process ... we're at least 12 to 15 months away from even obtaining DSA approval on this particular project," Schulenberg said.

The recommendation followed a wave of public comments urging a full commitment to the facility. "The students of Granite Hills deserve a full commitment and full funding to an athletic stadium," alumnus and coach Mason Gonzales told the board during public comment. Fellow commenter Tracy Mascara urged the district to explore sponsors and fundraising but said a stadium would be an "investment into our community's future."

Trustee Dennis Bender moved to follow Schulenberg's recommendation to fund the design phase with COP proceeds in Fund 40 and pursue additional funding sources as the project advances; Board President Maria Opara seconded the motion. The board approved the motion with no recorded opposition.

Schulenberg and the district's architect, Scott Griffith of SGH Architects, described phasing the overall construction and noted the next steps: complete design and construction documents, conduct environmental and soils studies, and submit plans for DSA review. He also noted the district will continue to pursue other funding options, including a community survey on a potential general obligation bond and additional RDA revenue.

The board's vote authorizes staff to move forward with the design and DSA‑approval phase funded by internal COP proceeds and to return to the board as additional borrowing or funding decisions are needed.

The district indicated further consultant work and state agency reviews will be required before construction can begin. The board did not set a construction start date; Schulenberg said timing will depend on DSA review and the availability of supplemental funding.