Board splits on construction contracting: stalled Bernards contract, Channel Islands amendment approved

Two construction items moved to the board’s attention on April 22: an as‑needed construction management contract with Bernards (not‑to‑exceed $240,962, Measure E funds) and an amendment to Flewelling & Moody’s agreement to provide extended construction administration services for Channel Islands High School (lump sum not to exceed $60,000).

The Bernards contract was presented by project staff as a temporary, as‑needed solution to provide on‑site construction management across roughly a dozen concurrent summer projects—including exterior painting at multiple campuses, a Camarillo High School roof replacement, Del Sol playfields, the Channel Islands pool work, and Rancho Campana pathway and bridge oversight. Staff argued that the district lacks the internal bandwidth to provide daily oversight for all active sites during intensive summer work and that industry practice supports contracting for these services.

Several trustees challenged the contract cost and necessity. Trustee Baker Torres said she could not support spending nearly a quarter‑million dollars in Measure E funds for an assistant project manager when existing site staff and the facilities team could absorb some oversight and when those departments face potential staffing reductions. Trustee Estrada and others urged scaling back projects rather than hiring outside management if budgets are constrained. On roll call the Bernards contract motion did not carry (recorded 2‑2), so the board did not approve that contract.

Separately, the board approved Amendment No. 1 to Flewelling & Moody (not‑to‑exceed $60,000) to extend construction administration for the Channel Islands High School HVAC and building alterations project through November 2026 to address unforeseen conditions, programmatic changes and to support project closeout. Staff described prior delays caused by a failed contractor and by required reengineering tied to program changes (for example, a wellness center and a new culinary lab) and said the amendment maintains continuity of architect/engineer support through final completion. That amendment passed on a roll call vote 4‑0.

What this means: The board signaled caution about adding contract management costs to Measure E without clearer justification, while approving additional architect/engineer administration where staff argued continuity was needed to resolve technical issues and complete long‑running projects. Staff indicated that, if the Bernards contract is not approved, they will re‑prioritize or postpone some summer work to match in‑house capacity.

The board asked staff for schedules, cost implications of delay, and clarification about which projects are critical and which could be deferred if in‑house capacity is insufficient.