Volume 4, Issue 1
August 2018
Greetings!

In the April edition of our e-newsletter, we shared information regarding the condition of current district facilities and upcoming facility projects. In the interest of keeping our parents and community partners informed about district news, this month’s newsletter is intended to provide you with updated information regarding the district's facilities plans and projects. 
                                                                  
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,
Anne Silavs
Superintendent
DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS
 
Background: The district’s central office, which includes the district's maintenance and operations facilities, bus transportation yard, and Child Nutrition Services department, has had no significant maintenance or system upgrades since it was built in 1967. As a result, the buildings do not meet current safety codes and are not accessible for individuals with disabilities. Given the age of the buildings, many of their internal systems are outdated and in need of repair. Additionally, the current facility lacks adequate meeting space for Board Meetings, student performances, and teacher professional development. 

Goal: In 2017/18, the Board of Trustees adopted a district goal to “pursue options for modernizing the district office facilities in order to maintain a strong district infrastructure to support student achievement.” 

Board Actions: Following is a summary of Board actions taken to address the district’s central office needs.

  • Request for Proposals – In May 2017, the Board of Trustees authorized a Request for Proposals, declaring its intention to consider proposals for an exchange agreement for a 3.7 acre portion of the district office property, located at 5081 Orange Avenue.

  • Approval of an Exchange Agreement – In September 2017, the Board of Trustees adopted a resolution authorizing and approving a $12.5 million dollar exchange agreement with Melia Homes. The agreement is contingent upon voter approval to rezone 3.7 acres for residential development, which would include 33 single-family detached homes and 12 multi-family townhome units. Revenues from the exchange agreement would be used by the district to fund facility upgrades and additional student programs.

Recent Developments: In June, the Cypress City Council approved placing the request to rezone 3.7 acres of current district property on the November 6, 2018, ballot. It will appear as Measure M in the November voter pamphlet.
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, AND CHILD NUTRITION SERVICES

Since 1967, the district’s Maintenance & Operations, Transportation, and Child Nutrition Services departments have been located at 5081 Orange Avenue, adjacent to the district’s headquarters at 9470 Moody Street. Similar to the central office facility, the buildings that house these departments do not meet present day safety standards and are deteriorating due to insufficient state funding for deferred maintenance projects. To address these concerns, the Board of Trustees has authorized relocation of these departments as described in the district’s Facilities Master Plan. Relocation of these departments does not require rezoning and is not dependent upon voter approval.
Maintenance & Operations: As reported in April, the district is planning to relocate its maintenance and groundskeeping teams to its property at 5712 Camp Street, which is located on the backside of the closed Swain School campus. The district is currently preparing for an environmental impact study that will be performed by LSA Environmental Consulting.
Transportation: As a result of a newly approved Joint Use Agreement with the City of Cypress, the district’s bus fleet will be relocated to the city's Maintenance Yard, located at 5285 Cypress Street, near the intersection of Lincoln and Walker. Buses will be maintained and serviced at this new location. Relocation of the department is scheduled during winter break.
Child Nutrition Services: The district’s central kitchen is located on the Landell School campus. Food storage and the administrative office that supports the district’s school lunch and breakfast programs will be relocated to a new 1,500 square foot facility that will be constructed near the central kitchen. Architectural plans have been developed and will be submitted for approval next month to the Division of the State Architect. It is anticipated that construction will begin in December.
FACILITIES MASTER PLAN

To effectively monitor the district’s facility needs, the Board of Trustees annually reviews its Facilities Master Plan during a public study session in December, at which time it identifies the next set of priority projects. The agenda, meeting time, and location for study sessions and other special meetings are posted at least 24 hours in advance on the district website, at the district headquarters, and at each school office. Just like regular meetings, Board study sessions are open meetings which the public is welcome to attend.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES  
Candi Kern - Sandra Lee - Donna McDougall - Brian Nakamura - Lydia Sondhi, Ph.D. 
 
SUPERINTENDENT 
Anne Silavs