Board approves using 27 elementary grants to support South Lake Middle School music classroom addition

The Irvine Unified School District Board on Sept. 10 approved a resolution authorizing the District to submit a use-of-grants request to the State Office of Public School Construction to maximize State funding eligibility for a music classroom addition at South Lake Middle School.

Kelvin Okino, the District’s Executive Director of Facilities, Planning and Construction, explained that California regulations permit districts to request State funding for new construction grant eligibility to be used for different grade levels if the district meets the requirements. "The District is requesting to use twenty-seven (27) elementary grants to help offset the shortfall for the South Lake Middle School Project," he said, adding that this approach will allow the District to reserve elementary grants for future projects awaiting review by the Office of Public School Construction.

President Cyril Yu opened the public hearing on the request, received no comments, and the Board adopted Resolution No. 24-25-21 by roll call. District staff said they will submit the use-of-grants request to seek the maximum State funding possible for the project and will report back on progress as required.