Board approves construction-management contracts and lighting upgrades; Fund 14 reported to have $4.25 million remaining

The Snowline Joint Unified School District board approved several facilities-related procurements and received an update on available capital funds.

Staff said Fund 14, which the board had previously seeded with $10 million, contains additional interest and project savings; after completed projects and current commitments staff reported an estimated $4.25 million remaining in Fund 14 for further projects. Completed work cited included waterline infrastructure, intercom/paging upgrades, fire-alarm work, roofing and cafeteria table replacements.

The board approved construction-management services contracts with Ledesma Mayer for Serrano (reported at 12.5% soft-cost fee) and Pinion Hills (reported at 13%). Staff explained that soft costs include architect fees, inspectors and general conditions, and said negotiated percentages were within projection ranges. The record shows the board's approval with a recorded preference vote indicating four votes in favor and one absence.

For the high-school 'pack' lighting replacement, staff said the work was rebid after earlier bids were rejected; the district expects construction to begin in mid-June with the goal of turnover before the fall term. The board approved that item unanimously.

Separately, the board approved lab-of-record and inspector-of-record appointments for Pinion Hills and other routine approvals tied to Measure J projects.

Board discussion also included priorities from the facilities master plan (play-area resurfacing, HVAC/plumbing, portable-classroom refurbishing, perimeter fencing) and a site-specific note about a septic issue at Phelan Elementary that a board member asked to prioritize.