Board approves Prop 51 final audit for Santa Rosa Elementary and a prequalified architects/engineers pool

The Atascadero Unified School District board approved a final performance audit of Proposition 51 funds for the Santa Rosa Elementary project and approved a prequalified pool of architectural and engineering firms to streamline future facilities work.

Business services staff summarized the audit, saying auditors verified that the $6,700,000 Santa Rosa Elementary project (concluded in 2017) complied with state and local requirements: required matches were provided, contracts were properly bid and expenses were appropriate and documented. The audit reported no findings and that the project came in under budget with about $362,000 in savings, which the district said were properly accounted for. The board approved the final performance audit by roll call.

On a separate facilities-related item, the board approved a recommended pool of prequalified architects and engineers. Staff said the prequalification front-loads vendor evaluation so the district can move efficiently when projects (for example, a future bond project) are identified. The presenter said firms were scored across 13 categories (including Central Coast experience), that Santa Maria firms were considered "local," and that future projects would still use a bid process. Trustees asked how long the prequalification lasts and whether bids remain blind; staff said the length was not in the backup but would be confirmed with maintenance and operations.

Both items passed on roll-call votes.