San Francisco-area bond would support $517 million in school projects

Residents in Marin County, California, will vote on a $517 million bond measure to upgrade infrastructure, improve classrooms and replace portable classrooms with permanent facilities across five high school campuses. Early in-person voting begins Feb. 24. Election day is March 5. If approved, construction will begin June 2024.

The Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) Measure A bond – which requires 55% support to pass – would ensure the district can maintain the modern facilities enjoyed by neighboring schools. If approved, the bond would help complete basic repairs, renovations and system upgrades for Tamalpais, Redwood and Archie Williams high schools. It would also cover improvements for San Andreas and Tamiscal high schools.

District officials would direct funds to address the most urgent needs identified in the district’s 2022 Facilities Master Plan. This includes repairing and replacing aging and leaking roofs, improving outdated and inefficient heating systems, and upgrading cooling, electrical and plumbing systems.

Specifically, the bond would use $104 million to replace Redwood High School’s Fine Arts, Student Commons & Dining (FASCD) building. Plans call for demolishing the existing temporary classrooms and building a two-story art facility. The district would also build a band/music structure equipped with large and medium ensemble areas, a studio, practice rooms and a music library. Plans for a $22.7 million cafeteria would include dining areas, a food court, restrooms, refrigeration and storage.

The district would use $90 million to replace Tamalpais High School’s STEAM building. Plans call for demolishing five buildings, including the science portable and storage garage. The district will then build three separate buildings for classrooms, a music center and an auto shop. Construction is expected to begin June 2024.

The projects call for $42.2 million to address ADA accessibility district-wide, providing equal access to restrooms, sporting venues and performing arts centers at all seating levels. The bond would provide an additional $16.1 million to replace HVAC systems, addressing a faulty heating system and non-functional radiators.

If passed, Measure A would allocate the funding needed to renovate, upgrade and improve TUHSD’s various learning spaces. The district would build classrooms, learning studios, innovation centers, performance spaces, collaboration space and maker spaces. Plans also include modernizing physical education and recreation spaces, including weight rooms, swimming pools, track and athletic facilities and sports fields.

The bond would also help upgrade safety measures and improve energy efficiency by modernizing fire alarms, elevators and fire exits. Planned security upgrades include public-address and emergency-communication systems, classroom-intrusion alarms and classroom-safety locks. The scope of the project also includes installing electric-vehicle charging stations and solar water heaters.

The schools would update the technology and equipment for classrooms, science and computer labs and libraries. The district would also build additional shade structures, resurface the parking lot, improve dropoff areas and expand emergency supply storage. Other plans include repairing, replacing and modernizing student restrooms.

Voters last supported a school bond in 2006, approving $79.9 million to upgrade technology and reconstruct facilities. TUHSD is located along the Highway 101 corridor from the Golden Gate Bridge to the city of San Rafael.

Strategic Partnerships, Inc. can provide information on contract opportunities, plus existing and future government funding. For more information, contact research@spartnerships.com.

Photo by ResearcherQ

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