District revises aquatic center scope; bidding planned after redesigns to reduce costs

Central Union High School District staff provided an update on the aquatic center project during the Sept. 9 meeting, saying design adjustments have been made to reduce construction costs and that project bidding will follow the redesign. Why it matters: the pool is a capital project funded from bond proceeds and other local funds; cost increases have required scope changes to keep the project financially viable. What staff reported: Business Services Director Marcy Mendoza said she met with the architect to revisit the scope because costs had risen. Mendoza said Phase 1 (site cleanup and preparatory work) is complete and that activity on site will be limited until the district goes to bid. She told trustees she would return to the board at the October meeting with an update and planned to bring a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) and bid results in November so the board can consider contract approval and construction authorization. Timeline and next steps: staff expects to release subcontractor bidding based on the revised scope, return with the GMP and seek board approval in November, and begin construction thereafter if trustees approve the GMP. Mendoza said the redesign effort aims to bring costs down while retaining the essential program elements. Budget note: Mendoza tied the redesign to the district budget outlook presented at the same meeting; trustees discussed sequencing of capital and operational priorities in light of projected operating deficits.