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Los Alamitos board replaces PAC architect, authorizes grant and procurement steps to speed construction
Summary
The Los Alamitos Unified School District board voted to terminate its prior performing arts center architect, hire West Group, expand the PAC budget to $14 million and authorize two state CTEFP grant applications and an E-rate procurement resolution to support facilities and technology upgrades.
The Los Alamitos Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday voted to terminate its contract with the district's prior PAC architect and approved hiring West Group to lead the Performing Arts Center (PAC) project, citing schedule delays and the need to accelerate construction.
District staff told trustees they had ‘‘finalized spending every penny’’ of the current bond funds and recommended closing the related fund accounts so residual interest can move into the district’s facilities fund, a step trustees approved unanimously. Facilities staff also said the district has expanded the PAC budget to $14,000,000 to support the redesign and accelerated delivery plans.
‘‘We are moving in a different direction,’’ Superintendent Dr. Pulver said as staff outlined delays and a plan to bring on a new architect and construction manager to shorten the delivery timeline. Dr. Pulver and staff said their goal is to have construction start in August on a single‑school‑year schedule if possible; they said that remains contingent on DSA review and contractor availability.
The board approved the termination of Rackland (doing business as Huckabee) and the contract with West Group by unanimous vote. District staff noted West Group previously designed the district’s STEM building and gym, saying the firm is familiar with campus infrastructure and committed to a tighter schedule.
Trustees also authorized two Career Technical Education Facilities Program (CTEFP) grant applications: one for health science/sports medicine seeking up to $3,500,000 for new construction and a second for arts/media/technical theater (PAC renovation) seeking up to $1,500,000. If both awards are successful, the district could secure up to $5,000,000 in state funds. The board approved submitting both applications, which are due Dec. 1.
Separately, the board adopted a procurement resolution under the Public Contract Code to allow the district to use federal E‑rate discounts for technology purchases, in particular Wi‑Fi connectivity equipment. Staff said E‑rate discounts can range from about 20% to as high as 90% depending on eligibility.
All motions tied to closing bond funds, approving the CTEFP applications, the Public Contract Code/E‑rate resolution, terminating the prior architect and hiring West Group passed on unanimous votes.
Next steps include completing contract paperwork with West Group, finalizing a construction manager scope and submitting the CTEFP applications before the Dec. 1 deadline. District staff said they will report timeline updates at future board meetings.
