School projects and renovations being funded under Measure A, a $260 million bond measure voters passed in 2002, will now be easier to track and understand.
The San Ramon Valley Unified School District has hired consulting firm Capital Program Management (CPM) to make its database for Measure A projects more user-friendly and comprehensive.
Overhauling the district system was laborious, but well worth it, said Marjorie Brown, superintendent of facilities with the district.
“It was a labor of necessity,” said Brown. “It will be time-saving and accurate.”
Cecile Nunley of CPM gave a presentation to the school board at its last meeting on the new program. CPM has been meeting with school staff, the facilities department, and members of the Measure A Oversight Committee to design the new program.
The Facilities Department also presented a Master Program Budget, which showed the current state of Measure A projects and how they stand fiscally. It also showed the projects that have been delayed.
Measure A projects are in good shape, the report showed, with revenue from Measure A presently exceeding expenditures. This is due in large part because many of the Measure A projects ended up costing less than expected.
Projects such as the updating at John Baldwin Elementary School, Greenbrook Elementary School, San Ramon Valley High School and Montair Elementary gave the district an unanticipated $23.5 million.
This, in addition to grants, insurance claim money, and an anticipated $2 million rebate from Davidon Homes for the development on Humphrey Ranch, puts the school district in the black at a program balance of $5.8 million.
There are, however, projects that have been delayed. All of the delayed projects are related to replacing portables at various schools. If these projects are eventually addressed, the program balance would fall into the red, at $7.3 million.
Brown is confidant that the program balance will continue to be healthy. As in other Measure A projects, especially the large ones, excess money will help balance out the projects, she said. Brown also believes there is at least $10 million in contingency money still available.
School Board Member Greg Marvel expressed some concern over the delayed projects and their effect on the budget.
“When can we make decisions on when delayed projects can move forward?” Marvel asked Brown.
Brown responded that the Facilities Department would feel more comfortable starting on those delayed projects once more revenue is obtained.
“As money falls to the bottom line, we feel more and more confidant in bidding and awarding those delayed projects,” said Brown.
Trustee Nancy Petsuch expressed enthusiasm for the overhaul. School board members are asked on a constant basis to approve bids for Measure A projects, she noted, and the new, more comprehensive system will give them clearer information on which to base their decisions.
“I have the whole picture of where we’re at,” said Petsuch.
Marvel praised the staff for its work.
“This is one of the most lucid presentations on budget facilities,” said Marvel.
In addition to assisting district staff and school board members, Brown also spoke of possibly posting the Master Program Budget on the school’s Web site.
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