Prop H to-do list costs exceed bond funds

By Lori Bledsoe
The Alpine Sun

     EL CAJON — The Grossmont Union High School District is making slow progress on their Proposition H Bond projects. The completion of the first major phase has been logged and students are beginning to move back into their now new and improved classrooms. The updated progress reports appear on the GUHSD web site.
     The scope of work that was and still is present at the current GUHSD high schools sites is vast, however, in 2007, the district has begun to see progress. Originally, the goals set out, when the Prop H bond passed on March 2, 2004, were to upgrade deteriorated plumbing, restrooms and cooling systems, improve fire safety and security systems, renovate outdated classrooms, science labs and school facilities, and improve buildings and grounds for safety purposes, and then build a new 12th high school.
     Now, Phase 1A and 2A is complete and the construction and renovations phase are in progress. Phase 1A and 2A included all of the schools’ underground utility infrastructure. This project in itself was huge in scope as well as the actual labor involved in completing it. The final cost at completion was $61,995,070.
     Many of the schools like Grossmont received new electrical service buildings, switchgear and cabling to meet the needs of the upcoming upgrades. Helix is completing their water and gas-distributing services with ADA (American Disabilities Act) Compliant path of travel work in and around their campus and athletic fields.
     Now in progress is Phase 2B, the modernization of classrooms and buildings on all the campuses. Currently, Grossmont is enjoying moving students back into classrooms that have been finished in their 800 building. Pictures of this progress are available on the GUHSD web site.
     The costs of these projects are also listed on the web site, under “Proposition H Progress Report.” Available projected funding for these projects equal $453.4 million. This figure includes the state matching funds, interest, and deferred maintenance, redevelopment, and developer fees. However, to finish the “to-do list,” the projected cost at completion will be $595.4 million.
     Regarding progress on the new school, the completion list includes a public meeting was held on Oct. 30, a completed Geo-hazard Survey, and preliminary site conceptual plans; issuing the Notice of Preparation, completing the Demographic Study, which is subject to board authorization, and completed the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment studies.
     Looking ahead, the district is continuing site committee meetings to prioritize needs as well as reviewing the long rage Facilities Master Plan, and the cost to complete it. The district is also planning to launch a robust web site to give the community quick access to updated information on the continuing progress of the Prop H projects. They are continuing to update and report the status on program recommendations from the BAC (Bond Advisory Committee) as well as AF Consultants.

View the Proposition H Progress report HERE.

 E-mail the Editor