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Board approves $4M draw from Measure Z reserve after Elorn construction bids come in higher
Summary
Trustees approved increasing the Elorn Village modernization construction budget by using roughly $4 million from the Measure Z program reserve after bids from XL Construction exceeded prior estimates. Staff warned of a revised move‑in timeline and pledged ongoing communications with families.
The Washington Unified School District board voted June 12 to cover a roughly $4 million increase in construction costs for the Elorn Village modernization project by tapping the Measure Z program reserve.
Facilities staff said bids from general contractor XL Construction came in approximately $4 million over the March estimate because of market volatility and higher material costs, including tariffs. "That cost came in higher than what we were expecting... a little over $4 million higher than anticipated," facilities project analyst Daniel Gandra told trustees.
Chief Business Officer Mon'nique Soval told the board Measure Z includes a program reserve currently a little over $7 million and recommended using roughly $4 million of that reserve so Elorn can proceed without reducing the planned performing arts center allocation. "Both projects still total about $106 million against approximately $110 million available," she said, adding that interest earned on Measure Z balances and other savings (for example, donating portables) will preserve additional cushion.
Trustees pressed staff for timeline clarity. The project’s construction duration remains roughly 14 months, but staff recommended delaying the student move‑in from a planned August date to January 2027 to avoid a tight turn‑around between substantial completion and the new school year. "A July 29th completion and an August 5th move in date doesn't really align with us being really confident," Soval said. She and project staff committed to a suite of communications — districtwide notices, site signage and regular construction updates — to keep families and neighbors informed.
Public commenter Dr. Ameilia Malia Kurszer urged approval, saying cutting buildings to offset the overrun would be harmful. Trustees discussed alternative funding sources and noted that other funds (general fund, facility reserves) could be used if needed, but Measure Z monies are restricted to Measure Z projects.
The board voted to accept the recommendation and approve the necessary funding adjustments to proceed with the GMP and related early‑work contracts. Trustees also approved a geotechnical contract with Mid Pacific Engineering, confirmed weekly contractor look‑aheads and indicated the owner–architect–contractor meetings will continue to track change orders. The board approved a related resolution to donate unusable portables to external entities to reduce demolition costs.
Trustees asked staff to provide regular public updates on construction milestones and to explore measures to preserve funding for the performing arts center, including pursuing consultant planning work with the district’s newly contracted program manager for that project.
Next steps: staff will finalize the GMP paperwork, proceed with preconstruction activities and return on June 26 for any additional formal approvals required for the budget and contracts.
