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Board hears update on controlled‑entrance project; revised budget $7.5 million
Summary
District staff presented revised designs and a $7.5 million budget estimate to add controlled entrances at seven schools, and explained that a failed referendum removed a borrowing authority that would have offset operating reserves now proposed for loan repayment.
District staff presented a design and budget update for controlled‑entrance work at seven schools and asked the board to approve the revised schedules and cost estimates so work could be scheduled for this summer.
Facilities staff (speaker S7) said the board previously authorized reengaging the design firm Riley to complete work per the safety committee recommendations. "You'll see the budget now is estimated at $7.5 million," S7 said, adding that the administration will return with funding options at a later meeting. Administrators told the board that approving the project design on March 24 and approving funding at a following meeting would make it possible to secure contractors’ summer schedules.
Board members asked for historical context about why the seven schools remained on the list. One board member (S3) noted the projects were part of a prior referendum and that the referendum’s failure affected available budget authority. Administrators and another board member clarified that the referendum would have provided borrowing authority to help repay a loan, but that the district would still have needed to take a loan; with the referendum’s failure the district plans to use operations and reserves to cover loan payments.
Design considerations explained by presenters included avoiding major reconstruction where feasible (for example, Lance Middle School was redesigned so a controlled entrance could be added without moving the main office). Board members asked for a brief historical summary in the March packet so the community can understand the delay and cost changes.
Next steps: the board was asked to approve the revised budgets and schedules at the March 24 meeting; funding options will be returned for a subsequent vote so the projects can proceed in summer if approved.
