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Los Banos Unified details early education center, ventilation upgrade and Volta modernization
Summary
Facilities staff told the board the new early education center site is about five acres with roughly 29,000 square feet of building area; contractor mobilization began Sept. 30 and underground utilities begin after the city approves an encroachment permit. The district is installing CO2 sensors and a mix of Pelican thermostats and Allerton BAS controls funded by AB 841.
District facilities staff presented a progress update on capital projects and upcoming work at the October board meeting, highlighting the new early education center, a classroom ventilation upgrade and the phased modernization of Volta Elementary.
Facilities staff said the early education center site is approximately 5 acres and the building footprint will be about 29,000 square feet; contractors mobilized on Sept. 30, site excavation is underway (about 40% complete on earth hauling) and grading is 10% complete. "We're a 100% cleared and grubbed. They are off hauling all the soil that we don't need. They're about 40% complete with that," the presenter told the board. Staff said the next work sequence will start with underground utilities — storm drain and sewer — once the city approves the district's encroachment permit.
On indoor air improvements, staff described a CO2‑sensor/ventilation project funded by AB 841. The district will use Pelican thermostats in classrooms with standalone thermostats and keep the Allerton building automation system where it already exists; maintenance technicians will be able to make remote adjustments. Facilities explained the choice was driven by available funding and compatibility with existing control systems.
Volta modernization will be completed in two phases, staff said: building upgrades (February–June) followed by site and parking improvements in a summer construction window so school operations are not disrupted. The presentation also reviewed a list of other projects, a planned fire‑suppression bid (projects over $200,000 require formal bid), and ongoing LED and parking lot work.
Facilities noted that some projects must go to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) for review; a full DSA review can take six to eight months depending on scope and disciplines (fire/life‑safety, structural, access compliance). Staff warned that unclosed or uncertified prior projects can delay DSA approvals and add scope to new projects.
What happens next: staff said they will bring a BRM to seek permission to bid on the Volta modernization next month and will return to the board with status updates as major permits and DSA reviews progress.
