Davis Joint Unified School District

What outreach has been planned/completed?

In 2017-18, DJUSD underwent an extensive outreach process to produce a Facility Master Plan (FMP), which is a document meant to identify the scope of facilities work needing to be done throughout the District, create a guiding document for future facilities projects, determine project feasibility and overall costs. The FMP process included multiple meetings with staff and community and resulted in facilities plans for all DJUSD schools. You can learn more about the projects planned for each school by reading the DJUSD Facility Master Plan.

The Facilities Master Plan prioritized projects in the event that a Bond Measure passed. Now, more than a year later after the passage of Measure M, our DJUSD Bond Program identified these projects with a specified budget; included in the list of prioritized projects is the CCE and BLE Multipurpose Rooms.
Beginning in the spring of 2019 and continuing into the fall, the Bond Program team including Facility Staff, District leadership and staff, and architects met with Principals, community members and site staff to begin the Design Program/Schematic Phase.

The Board of Education approved the schematic design for both MPR’s on October 3, 2019. Check out the CCE and BLE Schematic Designs.

During the week of October 14, two more community meetings were offered at CCE at the request of the CCE Community-- on October 15 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and the second on October 16 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the MPR. Because of an unforeseen staff meeting conflict, the Bond Team will be returning one more time to speak with CCE teachers and staff. Two open meetings were scheduled at Birch Lane Elementary for Tuesday, October 29 at 3:15-4:15 p.m. and 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Check out the presentation used for these meetings.

As we enter the Design Development Phase of the project, the community can expect that revised plans will be posted to the Bond Program website and shared through various communications.

How will our Davis neighbors know if they don’t have children in schools?

DJUSD will be providing updates to the Bond Program website and sharing community outreach event dates on our social media and with our local media. In addition, community members can sign up to receive the DJUSD Bond Program e-newsletter that will showcase activities and information surrounding the renovation and construction across DJUSD. The e-newsletter, called Building Our Future, will be distributed monthly beginning in December 2019. Subscribe here!

I provided feedback, how do I know if my feedback has been captured and considered?

DJUSD appreciates all the questions and feedback that we receive from Bond Program comment cards, community events, emails and more. We try to acknowledge all email input and our facility Department compiles and all the feedback to inform our Bond Program planning and decision making. Specific questions and themes are addressed on our MPR Frequently Asked Questions and in our General Projects.

Is there a Public Outreach Strategy for all Projects?
In late November 2019, DJUSD published our Public Outreach process and you can find even more details about ways you can learn about Bond Program projects and when and how to provide feedback at Bond Public Outreach.

Why is the comment period so short?

DJUSD is committed to a transparent and thorough community outreach process for all of our Bond Program Projects. We have utilized every reasonable method to engage students, teachers, school communities, and the greater Davis community in the planning for our projects. The public comment period for this phase of the community outreach process was timed to be at least as long as DJUSD Board meeting comment periods.

Why are you trying to use the same design for 3 campuses? How can you ensure you are addressing the unique features/needs of each campus? 

We are planning to use the same design, architect and builder on all three MPR projects, because that will allow us to save between 10-15% of the total project costs ($36 million). The educational program is the same at all campuses and there will be some differences between the MPR’s. 

How does the currently proposed MPR work with the master plan vision for the school? For example, the FMP says there are many buildings and new parking lot included in the CCE upgrade, are these happening in the Bond Program?

The FMP includes significant modernization to both the CCE and BLE campus. At CCE, this includes replacement of the South Wing of classrooms, a new parking lot and drop off area and other significant modernization. The total FMP for all District needs includes more than $450 million (in 2018 dollars) of needed improvements. The current Bond Program includes approximately $226 million in improvements so to meet the full assessed need, DJUSD will be looking at other bonds or other funding sources in the future. At this time, the MPRs are being designed to scope, to meet the current educational program and other defined needs. As we design the MPR for each respective campus, special care will be taken to consider the possible impact of other future projects specified in the FMP that may occur in future years. Check out the CCE FMP pages and BLE FMP

Is a fence project part of this MPR project? When will I know more about fencing?

The Strategic Fencing project is part of the DJUSD FMP. It is not currently part of the MPR project. The District is in the pre-planning phase for strategic fencing. Additional information will be provided to the community when this project enters the Program/Schematic Design phase. Watch the Districtwide Project page for updates.

DJUSD says bonds are to be used “to improve campus safety at schools, modernize science, technology, engineering, arts and math classrooms and labs, replace aging plumbing and electrical, improve school access for students with disabilities and inclusiveness for all students.” Please explain the connection to the proposed project.

The new MPRs will directly benefit the education programs of Birch Lane, Willett, César Chavez, and North Davis Elementary Schools by providing appropriate space for efficient and effective meal preparation and distribution, space for music instruction by including a dedicated music classroom, providing a new performance stage, providing a space where all students can gather at the same time, and by providing disabled students, staff, and community members with greater access to school facilities at the site.

What are the elements of the new MPR building?

• Building will be approximately 10,000 sq. ft - MPR space (4,700 sq. ft)
• Will allow for school assemblies (650 students) and a dining seated capacity (300 students)
• Kitchen servery that is designed to ensure a smooth flow
• Covered outdoor seating and eating area
• Four outdoor hand washing stations
• Raised stage
• Hydration stations (bottle fill station)
• Adequate storage for chairs, tables, Student Nutrition Services’ and custodian’s supplies
• Electronic door locks
• Music classroom and music storage
• Audio visual equipment to support school and community presentations
• Restrooms including student, staff and all-gender restrooms
• Warming kitchen which will be serviced by the District's Central Kitchen
• Sustainable building features and construction that will included passive solar lighting, photo voltaic panels, low flow fixtures, kitchen dishwasher, low VOC building materials, etc.

What will the new MPR not include:

• A full preparation or demonstration kitchen
• Indoor basketball courts

Will the public be able to use the new MPRs when they are built? Will they have AV equipment?

Yes, the new MPRs are being built for educational needs, but will be available for public and community group facility use. The new MPRs will be much larger spaces than many current school MPRs and will have a stage for performances. These new buildings will be equipped with audio visual equipment and acoustics and lighting needs are being considered as part of the performance space usage.

Will the new MPR have a Teaching Kitchen or access for the school garden program?

At this time, the educational program for these multipurpose rooms do not include the space to have a full teaching kitchen like we constructed at the Davis Senior High All Student Center. The price for this type of facility would be significant and there is not an instructional need for this at the elementary school level.  Any use of the DJUSD kitchens requires direct supervision by a Student Nutrition staff member. A garden coordinator could make arrangements after school hours to use the kitchen through the Civic Permits process.
 

How are you addressing specific issue of climate change and green and sustainable schools?

In June 2019 the Board of Education passed Resolution 47-19, Call to Climate Change Action. The Resolution describes the DJUSD commitment to evaluate measures that increase environmental sustainability while remaining financially solvent.

Through Board Policy BP 3511 Energy and Water Management- DJUSD recognizes that environmental and financial benefits that can be derived from conserving energy, water, and other natural resources, preparing for extreme weather and other natural events, and providing an environment that promotes the health and well-being of students and staff. To support district goals for energy and water management, DJUSD currently promotes strategies for implementing effective and sustainable use resource practices, and explore the use of renewable and clean energy technology and/or sources, reduce energy and water consumption, and promote conservation principles in the educational program.

Through Board Policy 3510 Green School Operations- DJUSD must ensure that any construction of new facilities complies with green building standards pursuant to 24 CCR 101.1-703.1 (Title 24), and focuses on sustainability and student health in the design and implementation of facilities modernization projects.

In addition, the Board of Education has scheduled a Study Session for November 21, 2019, which will focus on paths to school sustainability. This study session will help staff develop a vision and related policies regarding sustainability and facilities.

Is DJUSD building environmentally responsible facilities? Will they comply with City of Davis Non-residential reach code of 10% compliance magin above the 2019 Title 24 State Energy Code? What are your standards?

All new buildings in the Bond Program are required to meet the State’s Title 24 (energy efficiency) and CalGreen Code (sustainable construction). Staff is actively researching the feasibility of adding energy efficiency and sustainable features in excess of Title 24 and CalGreen.

What type of green design elements have been considered?

The building will have solar energy production. District staff are working to bring solar power to the entire District. In addition, the MPR will be designed to maximize natural light and utilize energy efficient lighting. We are exploring the use of all electric mechanical units, battery storage, a water capture system, and ways to reduce water and paper product consumption. Landscaping and green space will be considerations for aesthetics as well as ways to maximize efficiency of the building through shading, etc. 

What can I expect for Landscaping considerations?
Landscaping plans will be prepared for the areas adjacent to the MPRs. Included in the landscaping plans will be features such as garden boxes, planting areas, new trees and irrigation infrastructure to support these areas. The extent to which th landscape plans will be realized in the MPR projects will depend on the overall ability of the project budget to fund landscape improvements. At the minimum, the underground infrastructure will be provided to support the subsequent construction of the full landscape plan.

Are there other locations being considered for the placement of the MPR and what factors are you considering?

The placement of the MPR is an important consideration and we are considering multiple options including a northern and southern placement on the existing hardcourt. There are many considerations taken into account as placement decisions are made including, but not limited to:

• Vehicle access (emergency and routine delivery/maintenance vehicles)
• Ease of student access to the building
• Student supervision
• Lighting
• Utility connections (water, power, sewer)
• Staff considerations (building access, SNS, etc)
• Playground/Hard Court access
• Community access

Depending on where the building is placed there will likely need to be additional hard court space added to the campus to account for play area lost to the new building, this may include basketball courts. Mitigations also being considered are adding a new playground to the campus track area to allow for better supervision and access.

Will construction occur during the school year and will that impact the learning environment?

Administrators, in conjunction with Bond Program Team, will look at the best ways to phase construction to ensure student learning is not disrupted during the construction phase. While construction will occur during the school day, we will do our best to limit the impact but utilizing, summer, weekends and after school hours as possible. In some rare cases, students may be relocated to other parts of campus during the construction work.

How will students and staff be kept safe during construction?

In all cases, the district will ensure that student safety and security is maintained and that the academic programs are not compromised, with particular attention to testing schedules. There will be physical barriers between students, staff, and any areas where construction is occurring, both indoors and on the site.

Have we explored demolishing current MPR to avoid changing the campus layouts?

The current MPRs at CCE and BLE are already being planned for other uses when the new ones are built. The new MPR is about 5 times the size of the current MPR and would not fit in the footprint of the current MPRs.

• Additional feedback can be provided by the cards in the school office or sent to [email protected].
• Updated project display boards will be available for viewing as updates are available and Principals are available to discuss projects.
• The Board of Education will review and approve the updated drawings at the conclusion of the Design Development Phase prior to Division of State Architect (DSA) submission.
• Stay updated by subscribing to the DJUSD Bond Program e-newsletter.

DJUSD has created a Public Outreach process and you can find even more details about ways you can learn about Bond Program projects and when and how to provide feedback at Bond Public Outreach.

What about access to the City Park and shaded areas?

The current schematic design provides at least 25 feet or more of space between the buildings on the southside of campus and the proposed new MPR so travel between the campus and the city park will still be easily accessible without rounding the building. There would need to be some modifications to current practices and campus supervision during recess use of that park. Mitigations also being considered are adding a new playground to the campus to allow for better supervision and access, a community quad area with appropriate landscaping and shading.

Will the new MPR decorated to connect it with the park area as used for school festivals?

As can be seen from buildings across this District, it is important for school buildings to reflect the culture and unique aspects of each school site and certainly murals and art work are important elements to achieving that. DJUSD has procedures in place to allow for site design of such projects.

What will happen with portable buildings at CCE and when?

Other parts of the FMP like the new parking lot and updated portables at CCE will need to wait until the passage of subsequent bond measures. That said, the potential completion of all FMP projects is part of the considerations being taken as the planning for the current MPR projects happen.

Bond Program Update: CCE MPR Placement Decision

After thorough consideration of all aspects of the placement of the CCE MPR, staff has directed our design team to move forward on a northern placement. A virtual community outreach video is currently posted on the Bond web page and provides detail on the specifics of a north MPR placement and the public comment period.

North Property line MPR Placement	Cost	Notes
Create appropriate paved access from NE corner to NW corner of MPR*	$162,500	Requires the removal of approximately six mature trees. Access at NE corner could require major rework of kinder. yard. Will need to service construction traffic.
Create new play structure	$160,000	North placement of MPR impacts existing play structure
Replace MPR Hardcourt footprint and basketball*	$323,400	North placement of MPR impacts existing play structure
Relocate 2 CDC classrooms*	$979,625	Requires removal of mature trees ($340/sq ft x 2880 sq ft)
Total Estimated Cost	$1,625,525	In 2019 dollars

North Placement Considerations:

• In order to accommodate future FMP improvements at CCE (creation of a drop off area, creation of a new staff/visitor parking lot and replacement of the current portable classrooms), placing the building as close to the North property line as possible is needed.
• CDC Buildings would be relocated to the east or west of the MPR placement.
• The two CDC buildings are on District property, but owned by CDC.
• Placing buildings (MPR and/or CDC classrooms) on the north end of the blacktop is possible, however it causes problems with the relocation of the portables, front pick up/drop off area and staff parking lot as noted in the Facility Master Plan (FMP). The primary issue is that more blacktop would be taken and it will be difficult to maintain the CDE-recommended play field and hardcourt square footage in the future. We are expecting that the new classroom wing noted in the FMP would go where the CDC classrooms are currently located and CDC classrooms would be integrated into the future project.
• Would require the removal of several mature trees.
• Requires a wider and reinforced pathway for construction traffic (to avoid traffic across the blacktop) and deliveries.
• May affect outdoor learning area during/after construction.
• Retains current contiguous access to Redwood park.
• North side play struture will need to be relocated.
• Does not resolve issues of use of City park for school recess and school day activities.
• Additional cost of approximately $1 million ($1,101,200) over south side placement.

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South Property Line MPR Placement	Cost	Notes
Create appropriate paved access from SE corner to SW corner of MPR	$15,925	Paving the area of removed classroom
Create new play structure	$160,000	South placement of MPR impacts access to City play structure
Replace MPR Hardcourt footprint and B-ball	$323,400	Play structure to mitigate for City structure
Relocate Rm. 35 off-site	$25,000	Will be used for interim housing on other Bond projects
Total Estimated Cost	$524,325	In 2019 dollars

South Placement Considerations:

• In order to accommodate future FMP improvements at CCE, placing the building as close to the South property line as possible is required.
• Hardcourts will need mitigation
• South-side trees would remain
• New play structure will need to be installed to mitigate for City structure (net increase of one total play structure between CCE and Redwood Park).
• A classroom would be removed ( but with new classroom in the MPR, it would net the same number of classrooms).
• Allows space for future new permanent classrooms on North side property line.

 

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Building Relocation Cost Estimates

Item	Cost
Relocation of Existing Buildings	$16	per building sq ft
Storm Drain and Pad Preparation	$11	per sq ft
Wet/Dry Utilities (within 200 ft of tie in)	$50	per sq ft
Lift Station	$26	per sq ft
Paving	$12	per sq ft
Play Area	$35	per sq ft
Landscape	$7	per sq ft
Fencing	$7	per sq ft
Subtotal	$165	per sq ft
Contractor/Design Contingency Multiplier	1.55
Total Hard Cost Subtotal	$256	per sq ft
Soft Cost Multiplier	1.33
Total Project Cost per building sq ft	$340	In 2019 dollars

*Cost Estimation verified by Sierra West Group

What are the construction impacts? Will it continue throughout school sessions? What measures will need to be in place to protect Willett students as well as pedestrians and bicyclists on Sycamore Lane?

Construction is anticipated to occur over a 12-month duration. Student and staff safety is our top priority and all efforts will be focused ensuring safety and minimizing construction noise and impacts. Any work performed in the public right of way on Sycamore Lane will be coordinated with the City to minimize any disruption to pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle traffic.

Given the age of Willett and Chavez schools, how does the priority of a replacement MPR building compare to other needs — these might include constructing permanent classrooms instead of temporary classrooms, as well as improving the permanent buildings?

The Facility Master Plan (FMP) that was adopted by the Board in June of 2018 was developed through an extensive outreach process that solicited input from all stakeholder groups including students, teachers, parents, site staff, district staff, the City of Davis, community groups, etc. The FMP identified that new multipurpose rooms at BLE, CCE, NDE and WIL was the highest priority for these four sites. Please view the details of our Facility Master Plan including specifics approved for each school site.