Monrovia Unified maps phased modernization, flags ADA costs and state funding caveats

Monrovia Unified School District trustees on Thursday heard a detailed presentation on how bond proceeds and potential state modernization dollars could fund phased upgrades across district campuses, with staff recommending immediate work on PA systems, clocks and critical safety items and a staggered approach to larger modernization projects.

The presentation by district staff and consultants from Dixon & Associates laid out an estimated bond draw of about $21,000,000 and described a conservative estimate of potential additional state Prop 2 modernization eligibility. A consultant warned that some of the larger totals shown in the slides include "possible" funds that require applying and remaining in a queue: "You also have to pass a resolution that getting in line is not a guarantee of state funding," a presenter said. The consultants said prior districts in line have ultimately received funding but urged caution in planning.

The core recommendation to the board was to prioritize repairs that avoid triggering additional DSA (Division of the State Architect) requirements and to move quickly on districtwide items that do not require DSA review. "Clocks and PA systems need to be done right away," a district consultant said, and staff said they will bring a designer contract to the next board meeting to begin that work.

Board members repeatedly pressed staff to be explicit about which figures were guaranteed and which were contingent. "I'm really concerned about seeing words like possible, maybe, we hope," a trustee said, urging clearer bottom-line numbers before committing to priorities. Staff replied that the estimates are for planning and that a firmer Prop 2 eligibility number was expected from the consultant CLC soon.

The presentation also addressed fund restrictions. Staff said Fund 25 carries limitations tied to enrollment-growth-eligible projects while Fund 40 is more flexible; developer fees remain available for some purposes. For sites identified as candidates for early phases, staff applied the 2019 facilities-needs assessment to estimate local match, architecture fees (roughly 10% of project cost) and the DSA-driven requirement that about 20% of a modernization project be devoted to ADA access improvements.

On schedule and community engagement, Superintendent Paula Hart Bridal told trustees the district plans community information sessions in September and October, with a goal of presenting consolidation recommendations to the board in November and a decision by the December meeting. Staff recommended beginning architect-led planning now so construction could begin as early as mid-2026 depending on the project scope and funding availability.

Votes at the meeting included routine approvals tied to this work: the board approved the consent calendar and several administrative items and directed staff to return with design and ADA transition contracts.

What happens next: staff will return with a designer contract for PA systems, a proposed ADA transition planning contract, and updated eligibility numbers for Prop 2 funding; trustees also discussed creating an ad hoc oversight committee to meet monthly during planning.

At the meeting the board recorded these formal outcomes: approval of prior minutes (motion carried 5–0); consent calendar approved (motion carried 4–0); facility-use agreement with Duarte Fitness Center approved (motion carried 4–0); Resolution 2526-02 (interfund transfer) adopted (4–0); an MOU reclassifying a classified position adopted (4–0); and initial negotiation proposals with the Monrovia Teachers Association and the district approved together (4–0).