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Isbell Middle School modernization estimate exceeds budget by about $3.7 million; designers point to micropiles, DSA requirements
Summary
Designers and the construction manager told the Santa Paula Unified board the Isbell modernization is about $3.7 million over a $36 million construction baseline, citing 80 micropiles, seismic upgrades and DSA reviews as the main drivers; the team said value engineering cut roughly $2 million and an FRP solution saved about $800,000.
Designers and the district’s construction manager warned the Santa Paula Unified School District board that the Isbell Middle School modernization project is currently over the construction baseline.
"So the construction budget that we're aware of is the $36,000,000…As of our progress set estimate, we're over budget by $3,700,000," said Jeff (Pro West Constructors), who presented the contractor's cost estimate and schedule. The team told trustees the work includes heavy structural and seismic upgrades: 80 micropiles drilled inside the building, concrete infill, shotcrete shear walls and a new roof diaphragm.
Architects said safety and flexibility guided design choices such as enlarging classrooms, adding administration spaces and improving visibility. Brian (HMC) described the scope as "a wholesale revamp" that also adds modern MEP systems, larger classrooms and flexible learning spaces.
Contractors and architects emphasized several cost-control measures. Jeff said the team and structural engineer implemented a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) system in lieu of some steel bracing, and that solution "saved about $800,000" while trimming the schedule by roughly two months. The design team also reported roughly $2 million in value-engineering reductions during review.
Trustees pressed the team on what could be postponed without creating future higher costs. Board members asked about high-cost items that were advanced for efficiency—such as regrading and stormwater work—and about finishes and site landscaping that could be phased. The team repeatedly cautioned that unforeseen conditions in a century-old building are a material risk and that contingencies are intended to cover those unknowns.
Next steps: the district and design team said construction documents will be submitted to the Division of State Architect (DSA) on August 3; the team plans to put contracts in place before final DSA approval to be able to start construction in mid‑2027 if schedules align.
