Board hears SoCal High School special‑education facility plan, votes to seek state funding

Architect Ralph LaRue presented schematic designs for a permanent special‑education facility to replace aging portables at Soquel High School and to consolidate the existing "hub" life‑skills program. LaRue described classroom layouts, therapy spaces, an outdoor courtyard and modular construction options, noting "remember, this is schematic design, so we're still in the development process." Trustees asked about program enrollment, site impacts and how portables would be repurposed; LaRue said the new plan replaces the existing portable footprint and could free up parking and other site improvements.

Chief business staff (Leanne) detailed funding strategies and state grant opportunities: a new‑construction design grant estimated at $1,600,000 and a supplemental grant projected at about $591,000; she also outlined a potential state hardship match that could double that base grant. Staff described bridge financing options — certificates of participation (COPs), direct bank loans or other external financing — and presented three amortization scenarios that showed possible annual debt service between roughly $496,000 and $690,000 depending on term length. Leanne said estimated project scenarios ranged as high as $7.5–$8.0 million and that, in a worst case, out‑of‑pocket exposure could be between about $5.9 million and $10.4 million depending on final costs and state awards.

The board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 25‑30 to authorize filing state allocation board applications to position the COE for available SFP funds. Staff noted that, as a condition of receiving state funds for a district‑located project, the COE will need a long‑term lease (not less than 40 years) with the host district and that negotiations with Santa Cruz City Schools are underway. Trustees emphasized the importance of refining cost estimates and monitoring state timelines before committing construction financing.