Here's an overview of the progress we've made in bond-program planning since our March 2025 update:
- Citizen Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC): This committee has been established, and work is underway. The CBOC has had its initial meeting, and will meet monthly throughout the entire bond program. The committee’s role is to be the eyes and ears of the community. It oversees the process, validates that spending conforms to ballot language, and reviews the budget.
- Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC): The committee met in February and April, continuing work on the long-range vision for the district. The initial allocations have been firmed up for the 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond program. Given that the average age of our schools is about 46 years old, the committee has turned its focus to developing a long-term school replacement plan. Additionally, the LRPC is starting to brainstorm ideas for the conversion and repurposing of the Florida Mesa Elementary School campus once the Three Springs Elementary School opens in fall 2028.
- Three Springs Elementary School: After interviewing several firms, the district chose RTA Architects to lead the design of the new Three Springs Elementary School. We are excited about this partnership, and the Design Advisory Group kicked off the design process at its initial meeting in April. A request for proposals (RFP) to source a general contractor for this project will be published soon. Work related to the subdivision of the property is ongoing.
- Development of Master Construction Schedule: A draft master schedule has been drawn up and is in review. This master schedule is the overall plan for the entire scope of the bond program, inclusive of all projects. During review of this schedule, we are considering the impact it will have on summer school closures (due to extensive work) and are working to ensure alignment such that contractors will not be overloaded in any given summer with the work prescribed. We look to finalize this schedule in the coming month.
- Workforce Housing: The district's housing consultant, Kwame Spearman, has compiled the data from our February staff survey. Initial results were published on our website. Next steps include meeting with focus groups in late April and continuing conversations with developers and potential partners as it relates to this project.
- Deferred Maintenance: The district has worked through assessment reports to identify the most severe maintenance needs to be addressed. Bid packaging has been drafted. Once it is finalized, we will begin putting out RFPs for this scope per the master schedule.
- Other Specific Projects/Bid Packaging: We will begin developing scope for other projects as part of the bid packaging/master scheduling process. This will lead to additional RFPs, reviews of respondents, etc.