The San Marino Unified School District Board of Education on Sept. 9 approved an architectural services agreement with West Group Designs to begin schematic design for a new two‑story classroom building at Valentine Elementary School and heard an update on Measure M project progress.

The board approved the West Group contract after staff said the firm submitted the lowest proposal and a 5 percent discount beyond the Office of Public School Construction sliding scale; staff estimated the other proposals were about $60,000 higher. “Their proposal was approximately $60,000 less than the next proposals and provides value through campus design synergy,” district staff said during the presentation.

Measure M staff reported that phase 1 projects have moved into schematic design. Presenters highlighted that architectural contracts have been executed for Carver Elementary and San Marino High School projects and that design kickoff meetings have begun for Carver and the high school. Staff said schematic design will solidify floor plans and site plans and that the district has procured site survey, underground utility detection and geotechnical services as part of the design effort.

The presentation noted that the Valentine two‑story building is roughly 34,000 square feet overall — approximately 17,000 square feet per floor at the current high‑level estimate — and that the project will include an elevator. Staff emphasized these phase 1 projects were prioritized because they add permanent classroom space and are “escalation‑prone,” meaning construction schedule delays could increase costs.

Board members asked about schedule and budgeting for security fencing tied to the high school modernization. Staff said fencing and security work are included within high school project design packages and that the timeline depends on DSA review and the overall project schedule; they cautioned the fencing likely would not be installed the coming summer if DSA approval is not obtained in time.

The motion to approve the West Group Designs architectural services agreement carried on a roll call vote with all board members present voting yes.

Board direction: staff said they will return with finalized site plans and building floor plans after schematic design is complete.

Why it matters: Measure M funds major capital projects the district says are needed for enrollment growth, classroom space, and modernization; approving architects begins the formal design process that shapes budgets, schedules and community impacts.