District reports $33 million in summer construction, finishes three elementary modernizations

Mount Diablo Unified School District facilities staff reported on Aug. 13 that major summer work — including three elementary modernizations, technology infrastructure upgrades and roofing projects — is substantially complete and that roughly $33 million in construction and improvements occurred over the extended summer period.

Melanie Koslow, facilities director, told the board that the district used Measure J bond funds and other facility monies to modernize Mount Diablo Elementary, Meadow Homes and Rio Vista elementary schools with updated classrooms, new flooring, ceilings, casework, furniture, improved drop-off configurations and upgraded campus entry points. Koslow also said HVAC and electrical/data infrastructure work, improved Wi-Fi in classrooms and an upgraded emergency response system tied to the district network were completed or are near completion at multiple sites.

Koslow detailed additional non-bond maintenance projects including roofing replacements at several elementary schools, interior painting at Northgate High School, playground upgrades (including Sequoia Elementary), and TK playground compliance work; she reported 16 of 26 TK play structures were already brought into compliance and the remainder were expected to be completed within about 10–12 days. Staff also reported a significant custodial training push and other operational work to ensure campuses were ready for the school year.

Trustees praised the work’s scope and thanked the landscaping, custodial and construction teams. Board members and the superintendent noted some remaining items — missing ceiling tiles at recently modernized classrooms and ongoing HVAC adjustments — which staff said would be finished in September.

What to watch - Three elementary modernizations completed: Mount Diablo Elementary, Meadow Homes, Rio Vista (new classroom finishes, doors, furniture, security/PA upgrades). - Technology infrastructure upgrades at multiple sites (Willow Creek, Loma Vista adult center, Northgate HS, Wren Avenue, Ayres Elementary; Gregory Gardens forthcoming). - $33,000,000 reported in construction work across the district over the summer months (bond and facility funds). - Ongoing tasks: ceiling tile installation, final HVAC tuning, playground compliance, and punch-list items.

Koslow said the work depended on Measure J bond and other facility budgets and that the district would continue prioritizing safety- and inspection-driven maintenance (Williams inspections, fire safety, accessibility and controls programming). Trustees requested continued updates as remaining items are closed out.