Chico Unified board approves summer projects, raises developer fees and OKs charter land purchase; several personnel items passed

The Chico Unified School District Board of Education on May 15 approved a set of motions and resolutions covering facilities maintenance, developer fees, charter facilities and personnel matters.

Summer maintenance projects: The board approved approximately $820,000 in summer projects, including gym roof work and other maintenance at Chico High and bleacher work at Chico Junior High. The motion was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.

Developer fees (level‑1): After a public hearing and a presentation of a fee-justification study by consultant Lyn Grber, the board approved Resolution 1641 D/24 to increase state level‑1 developer fees to the capped rate of $5.17 per square foot for new residential construction (the state cap). The consultant said the study estimated roughly 3,250 new housing units over 10 years, an estimated $30 million in costs attributable to new students and that the district is justified under the Nexus methodology to adopt the state cap. The Chico Builders Association’s executive director, Katie Tomman, asked the board to phase the increase over two years; the board voted to adopt the fee increase as presented.

Charter school land acquisition: The board approved Resolution 1645 D/24 to proceed with acquiring approximately 2.47 acres for Blue Oak Charter School for a negotiated purchase price of $2.1 million, contingent on an appraisal and standard due diligence; the purchase will use charter allocations from Measure K and move to escrow on approval.

Personnel and credentialing: The board ratified the annual Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators, passed resolutions allowing specified credentialed teachers to continue teaching particular subjects under Education Code provisions, and took several standard HR actions. The board also ratified an amended employment agreement with Superintendent Kelly Staley that adjusts the timing of a longevity increment; administrators said the change does not increase the overall agreed longevity amount but shifts its timing.

Votes at a glance: consent calendar (unanimous), summer projects (voice vote, unanimous), Resolution 1641 D/24 (developer fees) (unanimous), Resolution 1645 D/24 (land acquisition) (unanimous), credential and HR resolutions (unanimous), superintendent contract ratification (unanimous).