Board hears grounds staffing plan and approves mitigated negative declaration for Samuel M. Gantner project

The Lodi Unified board heard a presentation of a grounds study on April 21 and a staff recommendation to phase in additional groundskeeper and irrigation technician positions over three years. Miss Solbergen, presenting the study, said year one would add one groundskeeper and two groundskeeper/irrigation technician positions and convert a vacant position to a lead irrigation plumbing assistant, with additional hires proposed in later fiscal years.

Miss Solbergen said the recommendation is informed by feedback from grounds staff, who requested more staffing to spend time at school campuses, dedicated irrigation responsibilities and training and career-advancement opportunities. The presenter said the recommended positions support all schools, though high schools already have some dedicated staff.

Board members asked how the plan will be monitored; staff clarified the recommendation will be included in the district’s LCAP and then brought to the board for formal vote in June. "We would not bring this back next meeting for action. Instead, we would use the LCAP and include this in the LCAP," a district leader said.

Separately, the board voted to approve a resolution adopting a mitigated negative declaration for the Samuel M. Gantner project; the motion passed 7–0. Staff said a groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for June and invitations were circulated to board members.

The grounds staffing recommendation will proceed through the LCAP process and any hiring will follow district budget and personnel procedures.