Board reallocates bond contingency to demolish most of EJ Martinez building after asbestos discovery

The Santa Fe Public Schools Board approved a reallocation of 2021 general obligation bond contingency funds on June 11 to allow demolition of large portions of the EJ Martinez building after staff discovered previously unreported hazardous materials.

Staff presenters said the district originally budgeted $500,000 for work recommended by the Capital Review Committee, but abatement and other remediation needs uncovered during planning have increased costs. A presenter summarized the discovery: "discovery of a number of substances in the building that were not reported in reports going back to 1980s, which uh asbestos being the the asbestos being the number one." The board and staff said they intend to preserve the building's gym and adjacent parking to retain useful space and storage for Santa Fe High School.

Presentation slides detailed scope elements: selective demolition (all buildings except the gym), tree preservation where feasible, decorative fencing along street frontages, electrical upgrades to keep the gym operable for future reuse, and landscaping to stabilize soils for future development. Board members asked staff to protect an on-site garden and large trees where possible.

The motion to authorize reallocation was moved and seconded and approved by the board.

What happens next: Staff will proceed with abatement and demolition work under the reallocated contingency funds. The district did not specify a final total cost during the meeting; the board was asked to approve additional contingency to cover remediation beyond the original $500,000 recommendation.