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Oversight committee says Measure D is still on track
By Leigh Ann Maze
A committee of seven parents and community members has been keeping an eye on how the Saratoga Union School District is spending the $40 million in Measure D funds passed by Saratoga voters in June 1997. In its first "report to the community" released Jan. 11, the bond oversight committee found that the money so far has been spent wisely and correctly.
"Our conclusion has been that the money is being spent with the intentions of the Saratoga voters," said Joyce Berg, chairwoman of the committee.
The bond is meant for seismic and library upgrades, school modernization, renovation and additional classrooms for Saratoga schools. The bond oversight committee was formed by the SUSD in December 1998 to ensure the SUSD spends the money appropriately, fairly and efficiently.
"We ask a lot of questions and make sure the projects are on schedule, within budget and in accordance with what we said we said we would do when we went to the community and asked them for money," Berg said.
The report primarily addressed Saratoga and Redwood schools, where construction projects are well under way. Plans for the Argonaut and Foothill school projects are going through the CEQA process with construction expected to begin this fall and last 15 months.
The next report from the committee is due by the end of the calendar year and will primarily address Foothill and Argonaut schools.
The Jan. 11 report states that the SUSD's current facilities budget is $54 million, including the $40 million bond and an additional $14 million in state bonds, interest, developer fees and state and local money for deferred maintenance.
"The use of the Saratoga bond money must be consistent with the campaign literature and the bond language," Berg said. "The state bond money is not as rigidly restricted in terms of where it can be spent. So, between all the sources, the district was able to put together the program they needed."
According to the Measure D bond language, all four SUSD schools will receive new classrooms to alleviate overcrowding, and renovation and modernization of existing classrooms, libraries, computer learning centers and restrooms. All plumbing, sewer and drainage systems are being upgraded or replaced. Some electrical, heating and ventilating systems will be replaced. New fire-alarm systems will be installed, and building exteriors painted. Seismic improvements are being made to all existing buildings as needed.
At Saratoga School, construction is under way for a new two-story, 16-classroom building and a new multipurpose room, along with the renovation of the existing historic building. At Redwood Middle School, the first phase of construction has begun with a new two-story 16-classroom building, an extended library and media center, and athletic and music room additions to the multipurpose room.
The bond oversight committee report for Saratoga and Redwood Schools is available to the public online at www.susd.k12.ca.us, at each school office, at the Saratoga Union School District office and at the Saratoga Community Library.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
