San Marino Unified advances Measure M projects; board approves three Measure M–funded contracts

The San Marino Unified School District Board of Education on Jan. 27 received an update on Measure M projects and approved three Measure M–funded agreements to advance campus improvements and project planning. The contracts approved by the board cover a roof replacement at the San Marino High School concession/restroom building, purchase of roofing materials and underground utility locating and video inspection at Carver Elementary.

Dr. Steven Choi, the district’s chief business officer, told the board the roof replacement contract with Commercial Roofing Systems, Inc., carries a cost of $34,653 and "will be fully funded with Measure M funds." The board approved the contract by roll call vote with all members present voting aye. The board also approved a CMAS purchase of roofing materials from the Garland Company for $34,652.74 (tax and freight included), which Dr. Choi said will support planned roofing improvements and is likewise funded with Measure M.

As part of site-preparation work, the board approved a $7,250 agreement with GPRS to provide underground utility locating and video pipe inspection services at Carver Elementary School. Dr. Choi said that work will "identify and document underground utilities and assess sewer and storm lines to support safe excavation and future project planning." The GPRS contract was approved by the same roll call.

The contracts come amid a broader Measure M briefing given by district staff and the bond program team. CJ, who led the project presentation, showed early site plans for Carver Elementary that would add classrooms (TK and kindergarten classrooms were noted) and relocate the intermediate playground; he said student council feedback favored one playground option "about a 10 to 2 vote" and that vendors are exploring swing-like features that occupy a smaller footprint than traditional swing sets. For Valentine Elementary, CJ said architects are producing renderings of a two-story classroom option that could incorporate food-service and nutrition, and the team is preparing cost estimates.

At San Marino High School, staff reported direction to proceed with a two-story classroom design and to plan interim housing for construction; CJ said the district expects roughly four interim classrooms on the north blacktop south of the softball fields. Staff also described near-complete work on concessions/restroom roofing and security fencing, with fence posts and infrastructure installed and prefabricated fence panels scheduled for delivery the following week. The district is coordinating access-control integration (license-plate or badge readers) with the IT department and a chosen vendor.

All three approved contracts are Measure M–funded, and Dr. Choi emphasized the projects are intended to preserve building life, improve safety and support ongoing construction sequencing. The board’s consent to the agreements allows procurement and site investigation work to proceed; staff said follow-up coordination with sites, vendors and the citizens bond oversight committee will continue as projects move into construction phases.

The board did not receive public comment on these items during the meeting; board members asked clarifying questions about site plans, playground selection, cost comparability between options and timelines for fence installation. The district said fencing panels would be delivered and installed the next week and that access-control integration would follow once panels and infrastructure were in place.