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Board weighs buying portables for Mountain House High School amid growth; lease vs. buy cost comparison presented
Summary
Staff reviewed options for eight portables at Mountain House High School: roughly $100,000 per year to lease versus $715,000 to purchase the existing units; trustees discussed sprinklers, DSA approvals, resale and funding through developer fees and asked staff to return with details within 12 months.
District staff led an extended discussion June 18 about whether to continue leasing or to purchase eight portable classrooms used at Mountain House High School to preserve a seven-period day.
Superintendent Nicholas said the portables were brought in on a three-year lease and presented the economics: "The cost of leasing the portables is about a $100,000 a year. The cost of purchasing the portables is $715,000," he said, adding that sprinklers and other regulatory work would be required if portables remain longer than three years. He noted that in seven years of leasing at $100,000 per year the district would have spent about $700,000, close to the purchase price.
Trustees debated durability, logistics and funding. Trustee Modi asked whether purchased portables could be sold later if needs change; staff said they could. Trustee (speaker 6) said, "I hate portables... that said, sometimes they are a necessary evil," expressing aesthetic concerns but practical willingness to buy if warranted. Staff said developer fees and specific funding sources could cover purchase costs and explained DSA inspection requirements. No vote was taken; staff will return with more detailed cost, lifespan, sprinkler and DSA information and a recommendation within the next 12 months.
