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Sahuarita board approves $758,384 expansion of accelerated learning center and $167,357 drainage fix at Walden Grove
Summary
The Sahuarita Unified District governing board approved a $758,384 guaranteed maximum price (GMP) to expand the accelerated learning center at Walden Grove High School and a $167,357 GMP to address drainage and erosion near the school's softball field; both contracts were approved by voice vote.
The Sahuarita Unified District governing board on Monday approved two construction contracts to expand the district’s accelerated learning center at Walden Grove High School and to repair a recurring drainage problem near the school’s softball field.
Lisette Huey, the district’s chief financial officer, told the board the accelerated learning center — currently 2,270 square feet — will be expanded by about 960 square feet to roughly 3,200 square feet, a 42% increase. The project will add three offices, a bathroom, a reception area, and a math lab; the work also includes HVAC upgrades and a new septic system. “The accelerated learning center is a highly successful program,” Huey said when presenting the recommendation. She asked the board to approve a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $758,384 for the work; the board moved, seconded and approved the recommendation by voice vote.
Assistant Superintendent Scott Downs described the district’s drainage problem at Walden Grove, saying heavy monsoon flows and sediment have caused erosion that threatens the softball field. He said the fix will lower a berm and redirect the water flow westward onto adjacent property with permission. “We’re going to actually lower the berm on that wash so the water flows onto actually FICO property. We’ve got their permission to do this,” Downs said. The board approved a GMP of $167,357 for Core Construction to carry out the drainage improvements; funds will come from adjacent-ways allocations rather than the voter-approved bond.
Board members said they were glad the projects were moving forward and noted the accelerated learning center’s increased space will support alternative instructional models and student needs. Pima County approval was obtained for the building addition because the structure sits on county property, Huey said.
Both contract approvals were routine voice votes; the board did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting transcript. Construction work for the accelerated learning center is expected to begin in the coming weeks and extend into the next school year, per district remarks. The drainage work was presented as an immediate safety and erosion mitigation priority.
The board then moved on to other agenda items and adjourned without further debate on these projects.
