Board approves bridge financing to begin Jefferson Elementary early‑education work ahead of state reimbursements

The Cloverdale Unified Board of Trustees voted to approve Resolution 225‑20 authorizing bridge financing for the Jefferson Elementary School early‑education project, clearing the way for summer demolition, underground utility work and site preparation.

The measure, approved by the three trustees present with two absent, allows the district to temporarily shift $1,400,000 from its modernization reimbursement (Fund 35) into the current fund so the district can issue purchase orders and cover inspection and geotechnical costs before state reimbursements arrive. Jennifer Gibb, a member of the district finance team, told trustees the transfer is intended only to fund work the district can perform while students are out of session and to protect the district from audit risk related to the district’s earlier grant application.

Brian Cameron, senior project manager at Manpil Construction Services, said the project has Division of the State Architect approvals for the first two increments (site and building packages) and that the team is working to align cash flow with incoming state allocations. "We have our modernization funding of $1,400,000, which we've already received, and we're pending about $11,300,000 of incoming state funds," Cameron said. He added that presenters showed roughly $15,500,000 in overall state funds allocated to the project and emphasized the need to issue purchase orders to begin summer work.

Aaron Brazier, project manager with Van Pelt, described a phased construction plan: Phase 1, scheduled for June–September 2025, will demolish eight existing portables, reroute underground utilities and complete storm drainage and bioswales; Phase 2 (fall/winter) will complete staff parking and a TK drop‑off area and continue sewer tie‑ins; Phase 3 (2026) covers foundations, building shell and interiors.

Gibb explained why the district must adopt the resolution before spending the newly received modernization funds: because the TK/FDK grant application documented financial hardship at the time of application, state rules require a formal interfund authorization to avoid audit findings. "You're borrowing from yourself, but it's to protect yourself from an audit standpoint," Gibb said, adding that district staff had confirmed with the state controller, the state auditor and the Office of Public School Construction that the resolution would not hinder the district’s application.

Presenters listed several near‑term costs needed to start work, including purchase orders the team expects to issue, inspector-of-record fees (stated as $72,800), geotechnical and special inspection work (about $76,000) and moving/demolition services; they said the district has roughly $806,540 in cash on hand that can be used along with the requested interfund transfer to begin the phase‑1 tasks. The presenters also said they can stop work in September if state reimbursements do not arrive and still leave the site in a drained, safe state.

During public comment before the vote, teacher Anna Ramirez urged the board to consider the broader effect of recent events on campus culture and students, saying, "While we don't know everything, it's clear this has created a lot of tension and concern across campus." Another commenter, Kate Bria, urged the board to keep the full picture in mind regarding an absent staff member and the family impact.

A motion to approve Resolution 225‑20 was moved and seconded and passed by the three trustees present; Trustees Lopez White and Garrison were recorded as absent. The superintendent has sent a letter requesting expedited review by the state allocation board; presenters said they expect state action as soon as August but indicated October as a conservative estimate if the expedited review is not granted.

The board adjourned after briefly confirming upcoming meeting scheduling.