TUSD Measure G Modernization Program Has Busy Summer It’s going to be a very busy summer for the Tustin Unified School District. Besides building a new elementary school (Hicks Canyon) and high school (Arnold O. Beckman), the District’s Measure G Modernization Program is continuing to move forward. Measure G is Tustin Unified’s $80 million bond passed by over 67% of voters last November to repair and renovate the 20 oldest schools in the District. The TUSD Board of Education has initially approved and issued $15 million in Measure G bonds. In addition, the District will receive matching funds from the State of California totaling at least $28 million to enhance the bond-funded projects. This creates a Phase I budget of nearly $40 million. The additional $65 million in bonds are scheduled to be issued in the summer of 2005 (Phase II) and 2007 (Phase III).
The School Board approved initial guidelines for Phase I spending with priorities centered on projects addressing life safety issues, building integrity and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. The Board has acted on the recommendations of staff and District consultants, including Trittipo & Associates—Architecture & Planning, Douglas E. Barnhart Construction Management and PinnacleOne Program Management, approving a recommended list of projects for schools in the Measure G Phase I renovation work. On Friday (June 18), major construction will begin on the first 12 schools -- Arroyo, Benjamin Beswick, Helen Estock, Guin Foss, C.C. Lambert, Loma Vista, W.R. Nelson, Jeane Thorman and Marjorie Veeh elementary schools; Hewes Middle School; and Foothill and Tustin high schools. The initial group of projects will range from three months at some elementary schools to approximately 18 months at the high schools. “Items on the approved school lists have the highest priority due to State funding,” TUSD Supt. Peter Gorman said. “Other projects picked at individual schools are from the list of those eligible for state funds and $7 million in matching bond money. Those projects ineligible for State funds may be addressed at a later time.” The following is a site-by-site breakdown of projects, funding amount, and expected completion date: Arroyo Elementary School -- $1.8 million / January 2005
Benjamin Beswick Elementary School -- $1.7 million / December 2004
Guin Foss Elementary School -- $1.2 million / December 2004
C.C. Lambert Elementary School -- $1.7 million / December 2004
Loma Vista Elementary School -- $1.6 million / December 2004
W.R. Nelson Elementary School -- $1.8 million / January 2005
Jeane Thorman Elementary School -- $2.2 million / February 2005
· Added fire hydrant · Remodeled faculty restrooms
· New faculty restrooms Hewes Middle School -- $2.6 million / February 2005
Foothill High School -- $8.8 million / June 2006
Tustin High School -- $8.5 million / June 2006
“We have taken steps to contain all work on-site and will attempt to minimize the level individuals are inconvenienced by the construction activity,” Gorman said. “As a good neighbor, we want to keep the community abreast of the program and welcome any questions or comments the public may have.” In addition, the TUSD Measure G Citizens’ Oversight Committee has recently completed its first year of operation. The Committee has the responsibility for oversight, and reviews and reports on the expenditure of the taxpayer’s money for school construction of Measure G funding projects. The Committee encourages community members to attend meetings and periodically check its website for the latest updates. For more information, visit www.TUSDMeasureG.org or call the TUSD Communications Office at (714) 730-7339. |
