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Board advances energy and facilities master plan, seeks financing; public urges sand volleyball courts and turf replacement
Summary
Staff presented an overlay of the Facilities Master Plan and Energy Master Plan (solar, bus yard electrification, mechanical upgrades) and proposed seeking a certificate of participation for up to $20M; public speakers and coaches pressed the board to accelerate sand volleyball court construction and approved turf replacement work.
District facilities and finance staff presented a combined overview of the Facilities Master Plan and the Energy Master Plan, showing site‑specific solar opportunities, mechanical upgrades and bus yard improvements to enable a future electric bus fleet, and proposed steps to secure financing to accelerate projects.
Ryan Zeta and Chief Business Officer Mr. Dixon outlined proposed solar installations at multiple sites where panels would be phased to avoid installing on buildings slated for major future rebuilds. Staff said projects could be eligible for conservative rebate estimates of roughly $4.5 million and projected annual utility savings of approximately $350,000 if the full scope were implemented. To complete selected projects prior to 2030, staff recommended pursuing a certificate of participation (COP) in the $15M–$25M range and described the required procedural letters to the county auditor and county superintendent; staff recommended structuring the COP with a ten‑year early‑call feature tied to anticipated rebates.
Public comment focused heavily on athletic facility needs: several parents, a coach and student athletes urged the board to accelerate construction of three sand volleyball courts at Top of the World to support growing demand (tryouts drew 46 athletes, several speakers said) and to pair that work with a high‑school field turf replacement. Speakers outlined equity and programmatic reasons for earlier delivery and supplied per‑court cost estimates (one speaker cited about $125,000 per court as an industry example).
Board discussion also covered turf composition and the question of converting to natural grass. Staff reported the existing turf's shock pad has significant remaining life and recommended resurfacing with a PFAS‑free, recyclable turf system rather than converting to natural grass because heavy year‑round use would require downtime and substantially more ongoing maintenance. Trustees asked staff to compile injury statistics, water and maintenance cost comparisons, and staffing or vendor costs for natural turf versus artificial turf to inform a future decision.
Action taken: The board voted to direct staff to draft and send the required notice letters to the county auditor and the Orange County Department of Education indicating interest in pursuing a COP; the motion carried (vote recorded 4‑0‑1). Staff will return with required analyses and with proposed contract documents if the district proceeds.
