Board approves site risk assessment, ratifies change orders and fills bond oversight seats

At the Sept. 18 meeting the board approved a proposal to hire Knowledge Saved Lives to conduct a comprehensive site risk safety assessment at Los Gatos High School, Saratoga High School and the district office. Superintendent‑level staff emphasized the assessment will examine access control, lighting, cameras, visitor systems and practical, cost‑effective recommendations that will be folded into the ongoing facility master plan process.

Facilities staff (Toby) also presented two ratification items for work already completed: (1) roofing change orders at the Los Gatos High School art building to address unforeseen dry rot and a product substitution (change order amount $37,807; revised contract $171,941), and (2) replacement of the boys locker room epoxy floor where incorrectly installed ADA‑compliant sections required removal and replacement (change order $28,400; revised contract $152,400). Both change orders were presented as completed work and recommended for ratification, with Measure E bond (source 210) identified as the funding source. The board moved and ratified both change orders.

Separately, staff recommended appointing two residents (Shailesh Kumar and Vikka) to the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee for two‑year terms; the board approved those appointments. Staff noted outreach efforts to recruit Saratoga residents to ensure broader community representation on the CBOC.

The board also approved an amended and restated ground lease between the Metropolitan Education District and PS Northern California 1, Inc., a lease that contributes revenue to support students attending SVCTE programs.

Next steps: staff will incorporate the assessment findings into the facility master plan, proceed with Measure E funded project closeouts and post the CBOC roster and recruitment information on the district website.