Measure U update: kitchens, HVAC heat pumps and portable moves highlighted

Dan Norris, the district director of maintenance and operations, gave the board a monthly Measure U bond update and walked through project status, schedules and near-term bids. He said the district is starting school kitchen assessments (beginning with Sierramont) and plans to move portable classrooms at Majestic Way this summer; several projects — including a Ruskin roof replacement and exterior window upgrades at Northwood — are out for bid or pending contract approval.

Norris described the district’s HVAC strategy and energy goals. "They're fan coils with heat pumps, so we're eliminating natural gas," he said, and added that economizers (fresh-air flaps) have been reopened to improve ventilation while installations continue. He also noted the warehouse mainline and site grading are complete and that solar work is awaiting PG&E permission to connect and begin producing power. The presentation included photos of graded foundations, playground and painting progress.

Trustees asked about plant selection for landscaping and whether new windows at Vinci Park contributed to interior heat after previous paint treatments; Norris said the replacement design will use a HardieBacker panel with a clear transom-style window to restore natural light. He said some projects are phased (design, bidding, construction, closeout) and that select items already approved on consent will return with contracts for formal board action.

What happens next: staff signaled several contract actions will return for board approval in coming meetings (portable move contracts, Ruskin roof award and other construction agreements) and that updated renderings for Vinci Park will be presented at the next board meeting.