Board approves contract amendments to advance gym modernization planning amid scope and cost discussion

The Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District board approved a set of contract amendments April 21 to advance design and construction-management work related to planned gym modernizations at district high schools.

What the board approved Trustees authorized contract amendments (13.2–13.5 in the agenda) that update architect and construction-management agreements to reflect current planning and cost estimates and to allow the district to continue design and preconstruction work. Board members moved and seconded the measures in sequence; each item passed with an aye vote.

Context and discussion - Scope and cost estimates: Trustees and staff discussed a substantially larger budget estimate for an expanded scope at Mountain View High (figures presented in earlier agenda materials ranged from initial estimates around $4.5 million for limited work to possible expanded scopes near $12 million for larger modernization). Staff and the district’s design team said current contract amendments are not final construction approvals but are needed so the architect and construction manager can prepare firm scope, schematic designs and cost estimates for the board’s later approval. - Fee basis: Staff explained that architect and construction-management fees are percentage-based and will scale with project hard costs; board members asked why increased projected construction costs change design fees and were told that expanded scope and complexity require additional design and management work. - Not-to-exceed and future approvals: Staff said staff will return with a recommended project scope and final cost for the board’s decision; contract amendments are structured to allow the design work to proceed but do not obligate the board to construct the larger-scope project without a further vote.

Why it matters District buildings are aging and school administrators said some facility components (for example, floor conditions and systems at Mountain View High) require attention. Trustees signaled a desire to see clearer trade-offs and site-by-site scope options before committing to major construction expenditures.

Speakers relevant to this topic - Board members who moved/seconded the contract amendments (various trustees) - District staff and representatives of the architect (QK) and construction manager (The Coming Group) — present in planning and design discussions

Clarifying details and next steps - Staff will return to the board with detailed scope and cost options (including lower- and higher-cost packages) to allow the board to approve a final construction scope and budget. - Contract amendments authorized design and preconstruction work, billing for which will be reconciled against final project scope and construction bids; staff said adjustments will be made if final construction costs differ from current estimates.

Ending Trustees approved the amendments by roll call and asked staff to hold a follow-up meeting with the architect and construction manager to present refined scope options and cost estimates for final board action.