School board approves lease–leaseback with Block Construction for summer HVAC projects

The Redwood City School Board voted May 14 to adopt Resolution 24, approving a lease–leaseback agreement with Block Construction to carry out HVAC upgrades at Adalante, Selby, Hoover, Roosevelt and Taft this summer. District staff said the method allows pre‑construction coordination on long‑lead equipment and a fast‑track schedule.

District interim bond director Martin Cervantes told the board the district received proposals in late March, interviewed three firms in April and used a scoring rubric that included technical expertise, price, management approach, schedule history, claims history and an interview. ‘‘Block was the one that came out ahead for the best overall proposal,’’ Cervantes said, citing their robust pre‑construction services.

Cervantes and Nick Olsen, the district’s VPCS bond program manager, explained that the lease–leaseback will initiate subcontractor bidding and that staff will return in early June to seek approval of a guaranteed maximum price once bids are available. Board members asked about schedule risks and were told the project is planned for summer work with contractual schedule provisions in case of overruns.

A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded; the board approved by voice vote. The motion did not record individual roll‑call votes in the transcript. Staff said the contract uses an open‑book subcontract bidding process so the district will review subcontractor bids and negotiated allowances prior to final pricing.

Board members emphasized transparency and stewardship of bond funds during discussion. One trustee said, ‘‘better temperature control and cleaner air in our classrooms is directly going to contribute to student well‑being and readiness to learn.’’ The district will return with the guaranteed maximum price and associated contract documents before construction begins.