Board Brief
Top things to know from the Nov. 9th Governing Board Meeting
1. Facilities & Bond Program Update.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Erin Garcia, and Executive Director of Facilities and Development, Tova Corman, shared a presentation which provided an overview of the Facilities Master Plan & Project Updates, future Measure JJ Bond Program projects, and an update on Measure JJ Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee.
Facilities Master Plan & Project Updates
The Facilities Master Plan (FMP) is an essential element of a district’s planning process, outlining current and future needs for additional classrooms, quality of the existing facilities, and facilities renovation and expansion requirements to support the district’s educational and programmatic goals. The FMP was brought before the Board in November 2023 for approval, Corman explained that there have been a few adjustments since this time based on enrollment & demographics, capacity, facility needs, and financing resources.
Future Measure JJ Bond Program Projects
In the FMP the Implementation Plan lists projects in order of priority and most pressing needs. Since the passage of voter-approved school bond Measure JJ, the funds will be available soon to move forward on these large-scale construction projects. The Implementation Plan addresses the highest need and oldest campuses in the district, these projects are:
The Knob Hill Renovation Project
This project consists of the complete modernization/replacement of existing buildings, site reconfiguration, and replacement of portable buildings with permanent buildings. This large-scale project budget is estimated at $77 million.
Mission Hills Sitewide Athletic Improvements Project
The project scope includes Stadium replacement of artificial turf and replacement of synthetic track, replacement of grass field with artificial turf and installation of field lights on the practice field. The project also includes replacement of 10 tennis courts with eight new post-tension concrete tennis courts and conversion of two existing tennis courts into three beach volleyball courts. The project budget is estimated at $12 million.
Woodland Park Middle School Renovation Project
This project consists of a complete modernization/replacement of existing buildings, site reconfiguration, and replacement of portable buildings with permanent buildings. This large-scale project budget is estimated at $84 million.
Measure JJ Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee
During the February 13th Regular Meeting, the election results were certified along with the approval of the bylaws for the newly-formed Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC). This week the official CBOC webpage was launched along with the application for community members to apply to be on the CBOC. The application will close on March 21, 2025 at 3pm. A review of all applications will be conducted and CBOC members appointed by the Governing Board in April. All San Marcos community members are invited to apply to serve on the CBOC for a two-year term, details and the application are available here.
The role of a CBOC member is to inform the public concerning the District's expenditure of Measure JJ bond proceeds, review expenditure reports, ensure bond proceeds are not used for any teacher or administrative salaries or other school operating expenses. Committee members also confirm annual performance and financial audits that have been performed by independent consultants selected by the Governing Board, and present an annual written report regarding the expenditure of Measure JJ bond proceeds to the Board.
For more information about the San Marcos Unified School District Bond Program, please click here.
For a complete and detailed overview of any of the items above, please see the full Board Meeting Agenda by clicking here.
For a link to the Board Briefs on the SMUSD website, please click here.