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Lancaster School District gets semiannual update on Measure LS modernization, funding and project timelines
Summary
Cole Forest Ventures presented a semiannual facilities update outlining 11 projects at eight sites funded by Measure LS bonds, state grants and developer fees; staff said they are pursuing roughly $10.3 million in reimbursement applications and identified about $51.6 million now eligible for state modernization reimbursement, with timing and DSA approvals driving construction schedules.
Bill Flores, CEO of Cole Forest Ventures, told the Lancaster School District board the district's Measure LS facilities program continues to move forward, with 11 projects underway across eight sites and a funding mix of voter-approved Measure LS bonds, state modernization grants, developer fees and other local sources.
Flores said the program emphasizes 21st-century learning environments and supports the district's educational programs, including reconfigurations to TK–8 and expanded pre-K (UPK). He identified active projects at Sunnydale, Nancy Cory, New Vista, Vermont Vista and others and said the district is coordinating construction to minimize disruption to students and staff.
The presentation explained the Division of State Architect (DSA) review process and the need for DSA closeout certifications for prior portable-classroom work before some modernizations can be finalized. Flores said the district is working through DSA issues that are common across California, particularly regarding portable classrooms placed on sites without full closeout documentation.
District staff outlined funding details: Flores reported the program accounts for roughly $240 million in planned uses tied to Measure LS, with about $122 million funded by voter-approved bonds and additional reimbursements expected from state modernization programs. He said the district is preparing roughly $10.3 million in modernization reimbursement applications and cited an estimated $51.6 million in currently eligible reimbursement amounts, plus about $27 million in additional eligibility that could be realized as projects or buildings become eligible. Flores said the district will continue to use local bond proceeds on a reimbursement basis and submit claims to the state as projects reach DSA milestones.
Board members questioned whether gym additions at Sunnydale and Mariposa could be funded by the state's minimum essential facilities grant program. Flores said the program has shifted toward a discretionary, hardship-style review, meaning awards are at the state's discretion; he said the district is working with the Office of Public School Construction to verify eligibility and pursue new-construction grant eligibility if MF funding proves too restrictive.
On construction sequencing, staff said interim housing and the presence of students on campus have pushed some timelines; projects will often be phased to keep classrooms in use. Flores said the district hopes to bring several guaranteed maximum price packages to the board later this year and will return with an updated estimate of new-construction eligibility in January.
The board received the report for review and was asked to consider formal adoption of the semiannual document at a future meeting; staff said they will return with additional documentation and recommended approvals when specific packages are ready for the board's action.
