Board adopts demographic analysis and approves roofing, Citrus modernization and other capital contracts

The Chico Unified Board adopted the district’s 2025–26 demographic analysis and approved several capital project contracts at the meeting.

Julie Kell introduced the demographic study produced by King Consulting. Rob from King Consulting summarized enrollment trends, noting a multi-year decline in kindergarten cohorts driven largely by lower local birth rates and a recent dip attributed to post‑COVID shifts. He said the district still has some net growth driven by residential development but projected gradual enrollment declines in the coming years absent changes in births or development.

Rob also reviewed state facility funding the district has secured—about $130 million to date—with additional modernization and new-construction eligibility the district may pursue. The board discussed student-generation rates by housing type, the role of local development, and the time horizon for facility planning. Member Lando moved to adopt the analysis; the motion carried.

On capital projects, the board reviewed and approved a roofing contract for Chico High and a low bid award for the Citrus Elementary modernization. Staff said the Chico High roofing low bidder was Rua and Sun Mechanical at $898,520 to replace roofs on multiple buildings and that contingency funds were included for potential dry rot. The Citrus Elementary project received a low responsive bid from United Building Contractors at $12,150,000. Staff explained some older buildings’ modernization work must meet Division of State Architect limits and that some improvements will be handled outside the DSA project scope where required.

The board also approved a standard resolution (1722-26) exempting the district from the city zoning ordinance for the Blue Oak Charter School project, a routine procedural step for district projects. Several motions on these items were moved, seconded and approved during the meeting.