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State Board of Finance approves $2.79 million emergency grant for Luna Community College housing
Summary
The State Board of Finance approved a $2,787,914 emergency grant to Luna Community College to buy and site modular student housing after the college lost capacity for dozens of students; the board required monthly reimbursement reporting and left funds committed but disbursed by invoice.
The State Board of Finance voted to approve a $2,787,914 emergency grant to Luna Community College to acquire and site modular student housing after the college lost on-campus capacity that displaced students, officials said.
President Carol Linder told the board the college needs about 84 modular rooms and is seeking an expedited solution so students — particularly athletes and students in high-demand programs — will have housing by the fall academic term. “Our request is outlined right here. It is a significant amount. It is $2,787,914,” Linder said. She described modular Palomar units as the preferred option and told the board site work, utilities and IT networking were included in the estimate.
The college and its board chair, Dr. Phyllis Martinez, said the loss of prior housing arrangements left roughly 52 students displaced last year. Linder said the college has pursued multiple options, including continued reliance on a partner university, and argued the modulars could be a short‑term fix that could become a long‑term solution if sited on foundations and anchored to code. “This is a game changer for Luna,” she told the board.
Board members pressed for details on procurement, maintenance costs and project oversight. Member Paul Cassidy and staff confirmed the draft resolution includes monthly reporting and a reimbursement process: funds will be committed by board resolution but released to the college only after invoices and supporting documentation are submitted and reviewed. Director Ashley Leach told the board the resolution can be amended to include monthly project updates and reimbursement reporting.
Some members expressed concern about the size of the request relative to the board’s emergency balances. One member said, “My big concern is the amount that it takes away from the emergency fund,” noting that funding a large request now could limit help for other emergencies later this fiscal year.
After discussion, Member Paul Cassidy moved to approve the grant as presented; Member Wendy Trevisani seconded the motion. The resolution passed by roll call; Member Joseph Luhan recorded a no vote and other members on record voted yes. Staff reported the Board’s emergency and operating balances would be updated after the Luna award and confirmed remaining balances will be tracked in monthly reports.
The board asked staff to include clear reporting requirements in the grant resolution, and staff said they would also implement monthly project-status updates to the board as reimbursements are requested. The college said it has land available at Camp Luna and intends, if necessary, to phase site-preparation work with modular acquisition so the project can proceed quickly.
