Board deadlocks on Measure MM program manager; selection pushed to Feb. 26

Two construction program-management firms outlined how they would run Measure MM bond projects and answered board questions, but the board did not complete the selection and will revisit the choice at its next regular meeting.

Dixon & Associates representatives Joe Dixon and Jay Dixon described experience managing K–12 bond programs, stakeholder engagement through superintendent facility advisory committees, weekly owner-architect-contractor meetings, and work to secure alternate funding sources and joint-use arrangements. “We feel the pain; we’re school people,” Joe Dixon said, summarizing the firm’s approach to community engagement and state agency coordination.

John Clem of TQ Construction Management described 30 years of K–14 program and construction management, program controls, budget and schedule prioritization, and on-site construction management. Clem emphasized that schedule is the primary driver of construction escalation and outlined typical DSA and preconstruction timelines.

In the board discussion, one trustee said the Dixon presentation emphasized finding optional funding, while another said TQ’s deeper experience aligned with district size and needs. A motion to select Dixon & Associates was introduced but did not carry on the recorded vote, and board members agreed to add the item to the Feb. 26 agenda so absent members can participate and ask further questions.

The board noted urgency—“time is money,” a trustee said—but also said it preferred a full board decision rather than proceeding with only three members present. No contract was awarded at the meeting.