Sequoia Union High District updates Measure W schedule, flags DSA delays and a high‑risk water line at baseball site

District project staff updated the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee on the status of Measure W capital projects and identified schedule pressures, supply lead times and a site‑specific risk that has put one athletic project on hold.

Design progress and schedule: At Kmon High School the design phase encountered structural calculation issues and the DSA submittal has been delayed; staff said value engineering is being used to preserve scope while controlling cost, and estimated construction would begin in June 2027 with completion by August 2029. The new Kmon building was described as increasing from about 15,166 to 32,584 square feet and adding specialized classroom space.

Athletic and site projects: A proposed multi‑use field is moving slowly through DSA review; staff had hoped to start construction in summer but now expect possible September 2026 kickoff. Interim (temporary) housing units are planned and must be in place to accommodate students while buildings are demolished and rebuilt.

Sequoia High and stadium systems: The Sequoia High project includes a new two‑story building (about 15,477 sq ft). Staff added stadium lighting to the scope after discovering the existing fixtures and poles are rusted and cannot be restored; that work must proceed as a new DSA project.

High‑risk utility conflict and project hold: Staff told the committee the proposed baseball field overlaps a high‑pressure water main (referred to in the meeting as an H‑line). They said excavation or vibration near the line could fracture it and release "millions of gallons" of water; because of that risk the district has put the baseball project on hold while it reviews the easement agreement (MOU) with the utility owner and explores relocation or mitigation options.

Construction logistics and supply chain: Staff warned about long lead times for specialized items (bleachers arriving from out of state) and said demolition, preconstruction meetings and contractor mobilization are scheduled when materials and contractors are available. Staff also noted that multiple major projects are likely to be in construction around the same period and that front‑loading large work is a strategy to limit cost escalation in the current inflationary environment.

Financing and cash flow: Staff said the district completed two bond sales, describing the first as about $80 million and the second as roughly $280 million, and that future sales will be timed to cash‑flow needs. The committee discussed whether to issue additional bonds earlier to hedge against further interest‑rate increases but staff said current cash on hand is sufficient and future sales will depend on detailed cash‑flow analysis.

Next steps: Staff will continue DSA submittals, pursue interim housing approvals prior to major demolition, coordinate with the City of Belmont regarding adjacent work on Alma (Alama) and report back on the baseball field easement and mitigation options. Committee members requested continued visibility into audit timing and project reports.