Merced's school construction projects in financial limbo

School officials are gearing up for the worst possible scenario: no state money for construction projects.

The Merced Union High School District board will meet Wednesday to discuss a five-year construction plan. One scenario game-planned by district staff assumes the district won't receive any state matching funds for construction -- including the costly and controversial new high school in north Merced.

The state allocation board awarded $35.8 million in state matching funds for the construction of Bellevue Road Area High School and $7.3 million for an expansion project at the Livingston campus last week, but the projects are on an "approved, unfunded" list.

That means the state must sell more than $1 billion in school construction bonds before Merced Union believes it will get its share of state money.

The district's lobbyist believes state funding will be released in April or September next year.

If state money comes through, the new school could be complete in 2012.

If state money is never received, other projects would be moved up, while Bellevue Road area high school wouldn't even break ground within the next five years.

The superintendent is recommending that the board approve both construction timelines, depending on state funding. If state funding becomes available, the new school would be built, but $7.3 million would be cut for construction throughout the district. If state funding never materializes, $29 million in local bond funds would be saved until the state pays up.

Also on the board's agenda:

A memorandum of understanding with the city of Livingston about development of Peach Avenue. If approved, the nonbinding agreement would require the district to build a pedestrian bridge over Peach Avenue with Measure M bond proceeds. Until the district has funding for the bridge, it will install a lighted crosswalk across the street to guide students to new facilities on the south side of the road. Both projects are estimated to cost $2.8 million, much less than a more costly plan that would have elevated the entire road.

The district will "sunshine" issues it will negotiate with the district teachers association this year. The district has been working under the most recent contract with the teacher's union which expired June 30, 2008. Among the items to be negotiated are the length of the work year, hours of work, class assignments, summer school and leave programs.

The board will also discuss whether to create a new position at the district office for a "school district project manager." The manager would oversee ongoing construction projects and report to the current director of facilities. The annual salary for the position ranges from $88,032 to $95,763, with $9,300 for health benefits, according to meeting documents.

Open session of the board meeting will start around 5:30 p.m. at the Livingston High School Library, 1617 Main St., Livingston.

Reporter Danielle E. Gaines can be reached at (209) 385-2407 or dgaines@mercedsun-star.com.