District outlines summer facilities work: playgrounds, portables, BOHS PAC, new gym fans and roofing

Brea Olinda Unified School District facilities staff gave the board a broad summer update on capital projects on June 25, highlighting completed playground work, portable classroom replacements and major high‑school upgrades.

Assistant Superintendent Rick Champion and facilities director Jeff Fado said the Air Vista playground replacement is essentially complete, with new play structures, fencing and pending landscaping. Falcon Elementary will have five portable classrooms replaced; staff recommended hiring Studio Plus for architectural, civil, structural and electrical services to start design work with an estimated project budget of about $1.7 million including soft costs. Champion described the fixed‑fee contract approach as preferable for planning.

At Brea High School, staff showed photos of the performing arts center demolition and seating removal; roofing work has begun and is expected to be completed quickly after the July holiday. Jeff Fado said those projects are moving on the schedule and noted much of the work is funded by grants, including an $800,000 Strong Workforce/ SWP grant supporting robotics and related classroom consolidation.

Facilities staff demonstrated two new large ceiling fans installed in the main gym, describing them as quiet and effective at moving air; the fans are positioned over spectator areas and will be adjustable. The board also heard about restroom renovations at four elementary sites and new LED marquees funded in part by parent‑teacher organizations.

Champion said many projects are being managed through restricted facility funds or specific grants rather than the general fund; several items will return as action items for contract awards or encumbrances later in the meeting. Timetables vary by project: some work is completed over the summer, while larger projects such as the gym floor replacement are planned for fall to minimize disruptions to programs.

Trustees asked about timelines and tradeoffs; staff acknowledged construction will cause short‑term inconvenience but emphasized long‑term facility improvements.

Funding and notable details • Robotics/classroom consolidation: $800,000 SWP grant (not from general fund). • Falcon portable replacement: planning contract estimated at $1.7 million including 20% for soft costs. • Main gym floor replacement and PAC seating: public works bids were solicited; a responsive bidder was selected and the project will require temporary closure of the gym during construction.

The board approved related action items later in the meeting that authorize architects and contractors to proceed.