Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Construction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves $4 million increase to Elkhorn modernization budget; move‑in pushed to winter 2027
Summary
The Washington Unified School District board approved an amendment to XL Construction's contract adding a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) that increases the Elkhorn Village modernization construction budget by roughly $4 million, drawing on Measure Z program reserves and prompting a likely January 2027 move‑in date.
The Washington Unified School District Board of Education on June 12 approved an amendment to XL Construction’s contract that incorporates a guaranteed maximum price for the Elkhorn Village modernization, increasing the project construction budget by about $4 million and drawing on the Measure Z program reserve.
District leaders told the board that market volatility and tariffs pushed bid prices higher than expected. Chief Business Officer Monique Sova said the district has a Measure Z program reserve of roughly $7 million and recommended reallocating $4 million of that reserve to cover the overrun so both the Elkhorn modernization and the planned performing arts center could proceed. The board approved the amendment by voice vote.
District staff said the design approval occurred in April, XL Construction solicited subcontractor bids, and those bids came back around $4 million above earlier estimates. Facilities Project Analyst Daniel Gondura described the schedule: construction remains a 14‑month work program, with substantial completion projected in late July 2026, but staff recommended a conservative move‑in plan in January 2027 to ensure classrooms, furniture and systems are fully ready for students and staff.
Why it matters: the Elkhorn campus modernization is one of the district’s largest Measure Z projects and the board’s decision reduces the available program contingency for future Measure Z work. Staff said the district’s total Measure Z funds available (including interest earnings) are about $110 million; with the revised Elkhorn cost the two major projects (Elkhorn plus the performing arts center) are estimated to total roughly $106 million, leaving a small cushion for later allocations.
Board members and community speakers pressed staff on schedule risk and community communication. Trustee Castro requested regular three‑week look‑ahead reports and weekly owner‑architect‑contractor (OAC) meetings; staff confirmed weekly OACs and noted the district had used drone footage and other updates during the Westfield project and planned similar communications for Elkhorn. A public commenter urged approval, arguing that further cuts to the plan would remove urgently needed facilities.
The board approved the GMP amendment and related construction oversight items and directed staff to share timely, public updates for families and neighbors about schedule changes and construction milestones.
Staff noted next steps include finalizing the GMP paperwork, executing the XL Amendment, and continuing preconstruction activities (geotechnical testing, value‑engineering follow‑ups, and procurement). If construction proceeds on the current timeline, staff said they would continue to try to accelerate systems and finish work so earlier occupancy remains possible if conditions permit.
