Homestead renovation enters demolition phase; monthly expenditures top $1.6 million, district reports

District staff and project lead Jay Wilhelm updated the board on progress and finances for Homestead High School’s additions and renovations, saying demolition of the old freshman academy has begun and multiple construction phases are underway.

Wilhelm walked the board through recent construction milestones, including demolition of the west end of the freshman academy (estimated to take roughly three months), completion of a “grab‑and‑go” serving area in Phase 4, phased cafeteria serving‑line renovations and a redesigned media center (formerly the auditorium).

In the finance update that accompanied the presentation, staff reported monthly project expenditures of $1,693,412.34. The presentation also listed interest and dividend receipts tied to the project at $6,340,894. Staff said the 2024 bond proceeds included roughly $12,000,000 that remain in project accounts and that some invoice processing timing affected which month certain costs appeared in reports.

Budget materials noted a recurring monthly transfer from the education fund to the operations fund of $456,000; staff said that transfer totaled $5,472,000 on an annualized basis, a figure used when assessing compliance with the 15% transfer guidance tied to state tuition support. The report also described the Department of Education/legislative directive to liquidate the 900 (Curricular Materials) fund and roll that balance into Fund 101, which altered year‑over‑year cash balance comparisons.

Board members received the report; staff said supporting spreadsheets and a summary letter were included in the board packet. No new approvals or contract changes were requested at the meeting.