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Orange Unified board approves distribution of Measure S interest to four high schools
Summary
The board unanimously approved staff's proposal to allocate accumulated Measure S bond interest toward remaining high-school modernization needs, directing equal distributions to Canyon, El Modena (Elm Medina), Villa Park and Orange high schools.
The Orange Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously June 18 to approve staff and citizens oversight committee recommendations for distributing accumulated interest from the Measure S bond to remaining high-school projects.
Staff said disciplined cash management has generated nearly $18 million in accumulated interest across the life of the bond, including roughly $1.5 million earned in the past fiscal year. The board approved a staff proposal to divide available interest equally among the district's four comprehensive high schools to address priority needs such as single points of entry, HVAC and infrastructure, restrooms and audio/visual and IT upgrades.
Superintendent Manares framed the request as a final phase of modernization after nearly a decade of Measure S work. "We are rounding out the end of this bond," the superintendent said, urging allocation for safety and remaining modernization items. Jeff Morgan, executive director of learning environments and operations, described the planned focus for phase three and confirmed staff's agreement with the citizens oversight committee recommendation.
Trustees asked how the district will communicate specific projects to the broader community. Morgan said the district will identify specific projects, obtain bids, return items to the board for project approval and run "road show" presentations at sites once school resumes to explain what Measure S money has funded and what remains.
Trustee Thomas moved and Trustee Ericson seconded the motion to approve the interest distribution plan; the motion carried on a 7-0 voice vote. The board instructed staff to prioritize infrastructure and safety projects consistent with the bond parameters and to report back with project-level bids and timing.
The board's vote leaves staff to identify and prioritize projects at each school, seek bids, and return to the board with specific implementation timelines and community outreach plans.
