Morgan Hill Unified School District is in need of nearly $700 million in renovations and new construction, according to findings in a Facilities Master Plan compiled by the architectural firm LPA, Inc.
Two representatives from LPA summarized a draft of the working document to district leaders and trustees at the Aug. 15 school board meeting. They first explained that the needs are always greater than the ability to fund them. However, the FMP helps to prioritize them and give an all-encompassing perspective of the district.
Priorities generated via the community input methods and reflected in the FMP were new construction (classrooms), modernization/reconfiguration of existing classrooms, existing building systems, toilets and improved energy efficiency, staff and parent support, parking and dropoff and safety/security. Site specific priorities included multipurpose rooms, student union and food service improvements, physical education improvements and exterior play spaces, playfields and hardcourts.
Board President Donna Ruebusch lauded the final draft FMP as both “extensive and comprehensive” as well as a “springboard to our next decisions.” The district has about $143 million remaining of its $198 million Measure G capital improvements bond. The Britton Middle School project, set to break ground in January, will ultimately gobble up about $50 million of that, leaving $93 million for future projects.
The process of developing the FMP began in November 2016, and included 47 meetings with more than 750 participants, according to district staff. LPA held focus groups, community forums, site stakeholders, educational workshops and an overarching FMP Committee that included local residents, business people, city personnel, school district and site staff, administrators, teachers and students.
“As a road map, the Facilities Master Plan represents a three to five year strategic plan for creating 21st century learning environments and modernization of existing schools,” according to the Aug. 15 agenda. “As a living document, the Facilities Master Plan must be responsive to external influences and opportunities.”
The document, which can be viewed online at mhusd.org/facilities-master-plan/, will get final board approval at the Sept. 15 meeting.
Along with total cost amounts for each existing school, two future sites, the district office and technology, the draft also outlines possible funding sources generated locally and from the state. However, the only certainty in those funds is the remaining Measure G monies. Another option being discussed by district leaders and board trustees is a possible school parcel tax on the November 2018 ballot.
The total cost for all FMP projects landed at $699,841,000.
The FMP also outlined the priorities for Measure G projects, including a new two-story building at Live Oak High School, replacing dilapidated portables at Nordstrom Elementary School, security fencing at all sites and a technology refresh of student devices.
“As funding beyond current Measure G is identified, project needs identified in the Facilities Master Plan will be prioritized by district leadership in consultation with the board of education, school site and community stakeholders for potential implementation,” according to LPA’s presentation to the board.
Barrett, $17,723,000
El Toro, $24,973,000
JAMM, $54,475,000
Los Paseos, $38,582,000
Nordstrom, $47,561,000
Paradise Valley, $19,217,000
*SG Borello, $48,483,000
San Martin/Gwinn, $32,025,000
PA Walsh, $53,980,000
Encinal (CSMH), $41,582,000
Britton, $28,771,000
Murphy, $28,053,000
Sobrato, $59,933,000
Live Oak, $133,685,000
LBJ Center (Central), $20,365,000
ACT Education Center (Adult school), $31,287,000
District Office, $9,146,00
Technology-Student Devices, $10,000,000
Total: $669,841,000
*SG Borello has yet to be constructed
