Board approves $279,373 summer projects; votes to add removal of Vasquez parking medians after trustee amendment

Director of maintenance and transportation Mr. Mora presented the 2026 summer-project slate, saying work would include asphalt repairs, carpet replacements, new furniture and safety upgrades across Little Owls, Vasquez High and Meadowlark. He gave a total cost of $279,373.54 for the package and explained the items came from the capital facilities prioritization list vetted by the facilities and finance subcommittee.

Discussion centered on a trustee proposal to remove four concrete planters/medians in the Vasquez upper parking lot because vehicles drive over them and risk damage. A trustee said removing the medians would improve vehicle access and safety; Mora confirmed he had a quote in his office and that the added cost for removing medians covered four areas. The board voted on an amendment to include median removal and then approved the entire summer-projects package with the amendment.

The projects also included a separate High Desert and Little Owls packet (concrete, flooring, safety padding at Little Owls) estimated at $191,665 and described as funded from remaining prior-year balances. Trustees asked for impact tests related to playground safety surfacing and for sequencing that avoids doing asphalt work twice if median/parking changes proceed.

Why it matters: The projects involve school-site safety improvements and maintenance paid from district capital funds; the median amendment created a notable intra-board exchange about scope and cost control.

What happens next: Facilities staff will provide the committee with the median proposal and, if finalized, proceed with contractor work this summer as approved by the board.