Rialto board approves $100,000 amendment to hotel contract for displaced families

The Rialto Unified School District board on Feb. 11 approved an amendment to the district’s contract with Wood Springs Suites to add up to $100,000, increasing the contract ceiling from $200,000 to a corrected total not to exceed $300,000. The amendment is effective Feb. 12, 2026, through June 30, 2026, and will be paid from general funds (Title I discussed as a funding source by staff).

Trustees heard multiple public comments raising safety concerns about that hotel after a November fire that had affected families. Trustees and staff discussed site visits; Dr. MacMealene (director of student services) and Nicole Alvizu (director of fiscal services) said unannounced visits had been made, that families need stable shelter and that the district will actively seek alternatives (including a nearby Best Western) for a smoother future transition.

Board members clarified that approving the amendment would not automatically move families and staff emphasized the district has not yet disbursed payment to the vendor and can transition families when alternatives are available. Trustees voted in favor of the contract amendment (roll-call recorded yes by Trustees Doctora Lewis, Evelyn Domínguez, Edgar Montes and Board President Joseph W. Martínez). The board directed staff to continue identifying alternate placements and to bring any new vendor agreements back to the board for approval.

What’s next: Staff will continue to search for alternative hotels and report on conditions and potential transitions; the board scheduled follow-up discussion as part of contract oversight and family support updates.

Ending: The contract amendment was approved with a stated intent to avoid displacing families currently placed in the hotel.