Ferndale district outlines bond spending to date, previews University High School parking expansion

Deputy Superintendent Felicia Wright told the board on Oct. 21 that the district is working through projects funded by the Bond 2020 series and is preparing a new bid package for summer 2025 work at University High School.

Wright summarized previously completed bid packets and reported expenditures: Bid Pack 1 (budget ~ $7 million; actual spend ~ $6.5 million) covered renovations at Ferndale Upper Elementary and the Early Childhood Center, including lab and office improvements; Bid Pack 2 (budget $2.6 million; actual $4.2 million) included Ferndale High School pool renovations and a new weight room; Bid Pack 3 (budget $3.3 million; actual $3.1 million) covered Tri‑County Educational Center repairs; Bid Pack 4 (budget $26.2 million; actual $32.2 million) funded the new Ferndale Low Elementary School; smaller packets covered boilers, auditorium roofing, monument signs and other site work.

Looking ahead, Wright said Bid Pack 9 is planned for summer 2025 and includes a University High School parking expansion of about 86 spaces, a new approach/drive, a secure vestibule, cafeteria and classroom flooring replacement, new furniture and laboratory refreshes. Wright said the Bond Pack 9 budget was presented at about $3.4 million and the district is finalizing bids and contractor interviews.

Wright also noted several mid‑project adjustments (for example, additional boiler replacements) that caused some individual bid costs to exceed original estimates. She said final contract and bid review is in progress and the district is balancing scope, schedule and community impact as work is scheduled for upcoming summers.

Board members asked about site lighting schedules and neighborhood impacts; Wright said exterior lighting is programmed to turn off at 10 p.m. in respect of nearby residences and that the district aims to limit disruption during construction and reopening of buildings.