Board declines tech‑office consolidation after staff warn of $840K renovation and added fiber costs

District staff presented estimates July 21 showing that consolidating the technology department into the district office would require substantial infrastructure work and recurring costs.

Director Ben and technology staff said the low estimate for necessary construction and upgrades — including a generator and electrical work to support added load — was roughly $840,000. A revised fiber agreement to support increased capacity was estimated to add about $3,000 per month over 10 years (roughly $360,000). Staff also said renting out rooms currently in the tech building could lose about $176,000 in revenue. “If we’re going to consolidate, we shouldn’t be spending district resources to just barely break even,” a presenter said, arguing the district should realize clear net benefit for any consolidation.

Trustees discussed parking constraints at the community campus, moving an existing generator, and the operational disruption to tech staff. The board accepted the recommendation to leave the district office and technology department in their current locations by voice vote.