Montecito renovation moves forward; board approves two construction-manager-at-risk awards, GMPs still pending

The Osborn Elementary District Governing Board received a multi-media update on planned renovation and reconfiguration work at Montecito School and approved awards to construction managers at risk (CMARs) for major district projects.

Design and schedule: The district's architect and project team presented an updated site and floor plan showing a reoriented main entry, a new parent roundabout and expanded parking, a reorganized primary wing with a separate secure primary zone, a renovated courtyard with outdoor classrooms and shading, and interior updates to the cafeteria, media center and two-story classroom wing to support Montessori programming. Designers described the project as preserving the existing building footprint while reworking circulation and secure entry points.

Project scope includes: relocation of the main entry and parking reconfiguration to reduce Seventh Street congestion; creation of a primary-only secure wing and expanded two-story classrooms to support Montessori functions; renovation of the courtyard with shaded outdoor classrooms and garden beds; and modest cafeteria, kitchen and gym upgrades. Designers said they had inspected existing systems (including kitchen and walk-in equipment) to determine reuse vs. replacement and were working to preserve serviceable equipment when safe and cost-effective.

Phasing and schedule: The team described a phased approach to keep the campus occupied during construction. Primary students will be shifted into the two-story wing temporarily to allow phased demolition and renovation; designers said early construction work would begin in summer and that the district expects to complete the first major phase (administration, primary, and site work) such that primary classrooms could move in by spring break 2026 (approximate). The larger interior work was targeted for substantial completion by fall 2026; staff characterized these dates as contingent, dependent on permitting, final negotiated GMPs and trade pricing.

Procurement and CMAR awards: The board also approved the recommendation from the evaluation committee to award two CMAR contracts following an RFQ procurement. The district's procurement representative explained RFQs are qualifications-based selection processes used where collaboration between design professionals and contractors is needed before a GMP can be negotiated. The CMAR fee percentages discussed were within market norms: one contract with a fee near 5.0% and the other near 5.5% of the GMP. Multiple board members asked about the schedule for an executed GMP; procurement staff and the design team said the GMPs are still being developed through permit submittals and contractor trade pricing and will be presented to the board for approval once negotiated.

Board members pressed for additional shade and solar-ready electrical infrastructure at the expanded parking and courtyard areas; design staff said tree plantings from a district spring tree-planting program will remain and that shade structures are being included in site planning.

The board approved the CMAR awards by motion. Staff said the district will return with GMP packages and permit-anchored bid packages when they are ready for board action.