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Board approves schematic design to advance middle‑school Measure G work; members urge cost tradeoffs and clarity on Tara Marin
Summary
Trustees authorized moving the middle‑school schematic design into design development, advancing work on Building M and site mitigation under a $95M program; board members pressed for soil‑cost clarity, options for Building C location, and a review of whether to reallocate Terra Marin district‑office funds to site priorities.
The Mill Valley School District board voted March 5 to approve schematic design materials and authorized staff to move the middle‑school Measure G work into design development.
Facilities staff and consultants presented an overview of interim housing plans, site mitigation and a recommended scope of work for Building M and related site development. The team said the interim portable campus submission to the State Architect is split into two increments and estimated the interim campus construction at roughly $20 million for the site work and portables needed to open by December after summer construction.
The project team described a $95 million overall project budget (exclusive of certain soil‑disposal set‑asides) and explained the 50% replacement threshold that triggers a full seismic rehabilitation. Key elements in the recommended Building M scope included new fire sprinklers, mechanical systems (including electric HVAC), exterior cladding, roof upgrades, accessibility improvements and targeted classroom renovations.
Trustees extensively questioned priorities and alternatives: several asked staff to retain menus of options for ceiling/lighting upgrades, counseling/wellness space relocations, and a potential new Building C for arts. Consultants said Building C was carried forward in two alternate locations pending foundation and soil analyses; one option would place art rooms on a new footprint, the other would use a western site that could be less expensive but requires foundation confirmation.
Board members also discussed whether to pause or reallocate a proposed $6 million renovation of the Terra Marin district‑office option in order to fund Building C on site and potentially free the current district office property for revenue generation. Several trustees said they preferred exploring reusing district‑office dollars for on‑campus priorities and asked for a board‑level conversation about the asset before any sale or partnership.
On sustainability, staff discussed a proposed solar canopy and shade structures with a preliminary estimate in the $2.25–2.5 million range; consultants said the canopy is largely a gesture toward net‑zero goals and unlikely to fully offset the electrical load for an all‑electric HVAC system.
Action taken: After discussion, a trustee moved, seconded and the board approved the schematic design package with the as‑noted feedback and authorized progression to design development. Staff said a 50% design milestone will be returned to the board in late April and a full design development package in June with reconciled cost estimates and prioritization information.
What to watch: soil remediation and foundation studies (California Geological Survey phase 2 outstanding), DSA approvals and BCDC reviews (timelines through mid‑2027), and final reconciled cost estimates that will determine which optional elements can be carried forward.
Sources: presentation and Q&A with district facilities staff, Lion August (architect), AECOM, and the board.
