Posted by James, a resident of the Whisman Station neighborhood, on May 7, 2012 at 2:40 pm

Awesome infrastructure investment, can't wait to see those labs when my kids get to MVHS.

Web Link

Posted by Steven Nelson, a resident of the Cuesta Park neighborhood, on May 9, 2012 at 1:59 pm

Measure G (elementary bond) benchmarks: the high school is getting new built classrooms at about $700,000 per room. This is a mix of 1 and 2 story. If you use the lowest prices for the elementary classrooms, it's at least $500,000 (one/half million). So .. if you replace all the old modulars (62 or so) that's a 'good' $30 Million public investment. IF YOU THEN DEMOLISH 47-52 permanent classrooms (Facilities Plan line items and Site Plans) that's a "stinking waste" of more than $24 Million. That doesn't include the demolition and temporary housing expenses!

BLOATED SOW is a good term for how High Speed Rail bond ended up. BLOATED SOW is also an apt term for how the MEASURE G $423 Million 'Facilities Plan' is headed. {that is not a typo, they only have 1/2 the Facilities Plan Budget in Measure G)

- The frugal and fiscally prudent Joe White (MVLA) is not planning to demolish ANY permanent classrooms, no matter WHAT an architect may find profitable!

Posted by James, a resident of the Whisman Station neighborhood, on May 10, 2012 at 3:48 pm

This precisely the problem Friedman & Mandelbaum talk about in their

book. We spend far too much time lately arguing about the details that nothing gets done, or that the way things are is good enough as we slip further behind our competitors. It's not good enough, we can do much better, and measure G is just one step forward to make great schools even better.

Posted by Steven Nelson, a resident of the Cuesta Park neighborhood, on May 11, 2012 at 12:05 pm

James, have you ever engaged in 'benchmarking'? i.e. Compare your plans and returns to those of your "competitors" [or those doing the same type of job as you). The Measure G Plan gives a 1/4% Return on Investment ($500,000 / $200,000,000) and the High School District is getting almost 5 X that percentage. (more money for operations)

Joe White is controlling MVLA investments so we are not wasting investment $ in "demolition" of classrooms that can be strengthened/refurbished/reused for 1/5 the cost. Improving Walter's "Wish List" by cutting out architect fat is extremely 'competitive'. Come BACK in NOVEMBER with a $200 Million bond plan, without 47-52 classroom DEMOLITION!

Give us G opponents a break - we know about 62 modulars DO NEED to be replaced!!! We just don't want a High Speed Rail style bond problem.