District reports solar installations, $22M state bond eligibility and Measure T project progress

District facilities staff provided an update May 23 on capital projects funded by Measure T, Measure X and other sources, reporting construction progress and state bond reimbursement eligibility.

Staff said solar arrays are now visible at several school sites and that a Division of the State Architect (DSA) package has been submitted for Fiester Gardens North with construction estimated to start in early 2025. The district anticipates a final bond sale for Measure T in late summer/fall 2025. Facilities staff told trustees they currently show $22 million in eligible state bond reimbursement today and project eligibility could reach $53 million by 2027, subject to state bond approvals.

The update covered active projects including turf installations (phase two), restroom modernizations (about $5.6 million in committed contracts across Sunnybrae, San Mateo Park, Laurel and Northshore View preschool restrooms), bus charging infrastructure at Bayside, and multi-purpose room construction at several schools. Staff noted some change orders are required for deeper footings on certain sites and that the district will phase remaining projects to manage contracts.

Trustees questioned the meaning of the unallocated funds line on slide decks; staff responded that the unallocated amounts reflect funds not yet assigned to specific projects and that the district will use its facilities master plan and community input to prioritize how to spend those monies. Staff said there will be additional feasibility work tied to state architect rules and that projects may be brought forward in phases.

No board vote was required on the update; it was received as information. Staff said they will return with a prioritization process for unallocated bond funds and timeline details for projects expected to be advanced in the next bond cycle.