San Ysidro board hears GO bond project updates; middle school classrooms in service, Building 600 to be demolished
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Summary
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jose Quinigas updated the board on GO/bond-funded construction: San Ysidro Middle School completed phase 1 with about 10 teachers moved into new classrooms, Building 600 will be demolished for a new student drop-off and entry, the CDC move to Laminada is planned for summer, Beyer Community Education Center plans are with DSA, and smart-board installations are delayed until structural framing is completed.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jose Quinigas presented a detailed facilities and GO bond construction update to the San Ysidro School District Board on Jan. 15, emphasizing that projects discussed are paid with restricted bond funds and not drawn from the district's general fund.
Highlights included San Ysidro Middle School, where phase 1 is complete and approximately 10 teachers have moved into new permanent classrooms; subsequent phases will modernize the administration building, library/media center and student center. Quinigas made clear that Building 600 is slated for demolition (not modernization) to make way for a redesigned grand entrance and new student drop-off areas.
Quinigas also reviewed priority projects: a design-build procurement for a new CDC (child development center) at the Laminada site is signed and, if state approvals proceed as expected, construction could begin in summer 2026. The Beyer Community Education Center plans are currently under review by the Division of the State Architect (DSA) with approval expected in coming months. The district emphasized environmental assessments and mitigation work underway.
The district acknowledged some delays: smart-board installations at BDM required additional framing after drywall issues were discovered, pushing completion to an estimated February date; staff said contractors are working nights and weekends to meet that timeline. Quinigas repeated the district's recommendation to update the facilities master plan before prioritizing new GO bond measures because an up-to-date plan is required to apply for certain state funding.
Board members asked about flooring material (carpet vs. vinyl), color palettes chosen with principals, DSA review contingency, and emergency egress/panic-bar upgrades built during winter break. Quinigas reiterated that furniture and fixtures will be purchased in phases and paid using restricted GO bond funds.
The presentation concluded with staff offering to provide more detailed project scopes and cost controls in future agenda items and with a note that contract amounts remain subject to board approval for any changes beyond approved not-to-exceed totals.
