Antioch Unified details bond construction process, design review and timelines

District staff and consultants delivered a detailed walkthrough of bond-funded project planning and construction processes at the board meeting, explaining how the district translates facility needs into design, regulatory review and construction.

Presenters identified key roles on bond teams (director of facilities, project manager, architect, construction manager and inspectors) and described how the facility master plan prioritizes safety, education, aesthetics and deferred maintenance. Jeff Evans of Hkit Architects and Travis Kirk of TBK Construction described the three design phases (schematic design, design development and construction documents) and explained that the Division of the State Architect (DSA) reviews plans for structural, fire/life-safety and accessibility compliance. "For the John Muir project that DSA review process can take about six months," a presenter said, explaining that back checks and responses extend the timeline.

The presenters also explained procurement approaches available to the district ' traditional low-bid design-bid-build, lease-leaseback (statutory) and design-build (best-value scoring) ' and how each affects contractor selection, schedule and community impact. Staff said outreach included principal- and PTA-led site meetings and that the district posted renderings and sought community feedback during schematic design.

Board members asked how teachers and parents who could not attend outreach meetings were notified; staff said principals contacted parent leaders and site-based groups and that more outreach can be arranged. Trustees also asked whether TK unit restrooms and accessible play areas would be included in site designs; presenters confirmed TK restrooms would be sized appropriately and said accessible play features can be scoped during design.

Trustees directed staff to continue public engagement and to return with design details for affected sites as planning advances.