Travis Unified authorizes Measure R bond sale, prioritizes safety projects and approves padded stadium turf

Travis Unified’s board authorized the issuance and sale of $21 million in Measure R general obligation bonds and outlined a staged facilities program at its April meeting. Staff also won board approval to replace the high school stadium turf with an added shock-absorbent pad.

Gabe, the district’s business-services presenter, told the board the district plans to sell the first bond series on May 21 and expected cash in early June to fund tier-one projects, which he said would likely consume roughly two-thirds of the Measure R proceeds. Priorities listed for near-term work include security upgrades, plumbing and electrical repairs, roofing and exterior work, HVAC, classroom interior repairs and improvements to playfields.

Gabe presented an initial list of 66 projects to begin in the coming 12 months (many bundled under single contracts) and described another set of longer-term projects requiring 12–36 months of planning. He and board members discussed managing scope, staffing capacity and doing the work correctly rather than rushing to spend funds.

On athletics, the board reviewed two estimates to replace stadium turf: a base-turf option (about $1.2 million) and a higher-cost option that includes a 1-inch pad under the turf (about $1.44 million). The district described the pad as increasing life-cycle value and safety: the pad carries a longer warranty and provides additional shock absorption, which helps the field pass impact tests as the top layer ages. After discussion the board voted to approve the padded replacement for the stadium field.

Board members deferred any immediate decision on converting auxiliary fields into multiuse turf or full synthetic turf after receiving high cost estimates and concerns about drainage, expansive soils and electrical costs; staff will continue exploring lower-cost, in-house and alternative options.

Actions at the meeting included a final vote approving the bond authorization on the published resolution and the stadium turf replacement with padded base.

Votes at a glance - Resolution to authorize sale of Measure R bonds (approximately $21 million): board approved; motion carried. - Vanden High School stadium turf replacement with 1-inch pad: board approved (motion carried with student representative participation).