School Board Approves List Of Measure K Projects

After a sometimes rancorous and tension-laced discussion, the Martinez Unified School District board approved a $16.68 million budget in the first phase of the three-phase modernization project funded mostly through a $45 million bond approved by voters in 2010.

The first phase, which will include district-wide installation of solar power, wireless technology, technology infrastructure and energy management systems, upgrades to the Alhambra High School Performance Arts Building and a new central heating/air conditioning plant for the school, and some upgrades to Las Juntas Elementary, will be funded through $24.9 million in bonds.  

At the three-and-a-half hour special meeting Thursday, board members hashed out their priorities and vented some frustration.

Board member John Fuller questioned staff about the need to approve the $3 million wireless technology portion of the first phase Thursday night. He wanted to wait until a report outlining the details of that plan – such as options for which kinds of wireless devices to purchase – is made available to the board.

“We’re rushing every time,” Fuller said. “I’m done rushing.”

Project coordinator Danny Hillman explained that the wireless project needed to be approved Thursday night so that staff could begin lining up vendors, contractors and other necessary components of the effort, if work is to begin this summer and be ready for the 2012-13 school year.

But the tone of his questioning disturbed at least one board member. Vicki Gordon took exception to Fuller's “accusatory tone” toward staff.

“You didn’t support Measure K, and now you’re up here complaining about it,” Gordon said. “I would appreciate it with all the information you’ve been given, you’d get comfortable and make some decisions.”

Fuller apologized to staff for his tone, explaining that as a board member, he felt the need to be thorough in his understanding of the issues.

There was some public support for constructing a new gym in the first phase of the project. That $3.2 million project would include second-floor restrooms and new classrooms.

“I think the gym should be in the first phase,” said Paul Buccellato, a softball coach. “There are no bathrooms for people watching and playing softball and tennis right now. They have to use the bathrooms at Safeway.”

Alhambra Athletic Director Mike Ertola said the existing first-floor bathrooms make it difficult to keep track of students.

“Now when someone goes to the bathroom, there’s a 50/50 chance they will be coming back to class,” he said.

But the board chose to fund the Performing Arts Center in the first phase, since that project was mentioned specifically in the bond language voters approved.

The first phase of the Measure K projects will be built in 2012-13. The second phase, which will be constructed when the board sells the remaining $21 million in bonds, will take place is 2016-18. A third phase, for $8 million of state bond money, will depend on when and if state voters approve additional school construction bonds.

The board approved the following Phase One budget Thursday night:

Project

Cost

Included

Solar Project

$6.2 million

District-wide solar power for energy savings of $500,000/year to the general fund

Wireless Technology

$3 million

District-wide installation of servers, wiring, hand-held devices for each student, and other needs for wireless service.

Technology Infrastructure

$2 million

District wide phone system, alarms, etc.

Energy Management

$500,000

District wide

Alhambra High

New heating/cooling system

$1.15million

Performing Arts Center expansion

$3 million

(New classroom, expanded gallery)

Las Juntas

$830,000

Remodeled multi-purpose room and kitchen.