Santa Clara Unified: Bracher Elementary Modernization PLA Pilot

School is back in session, and the Santa Clara Unified Board of Trustees held a construction-focused meeting to discuss the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for Bracher Elementary School and pool renovations at Santa Clara and Wilcox high schools.

**Project Labor Agreement**

During the meeting on Thursday, August 22, the Board received an update on the PLA pilot program, which began in March 2023 for the Bracher Elementary Modernization Project. This pilot will be compared with the non-PLA Westwood Elementary Modernization Project, which has a similar scope.

Superintendent Dr. Gary Waddell emphasized that the District is still in the early stages of the PLA process. CSEA President Lynn Villarreal advised caution to ensure the PLA has the best chance of success.

Board Member Dr. Michele Ryan, who recently completed the School Business Management program at the University of Southern California and focused on PLAs, suggested including specific provisions in the agreement to justify the additional costs often associated with PLAs. The Board and community have expressed interest in hiring locally and involving CTE students through apprenticeships. Dr. Ryan proposed that these goals be included in the PLA to protect the district during the bidding process. However, Board Vice President Bonnie Lieberman noted that it may not be appropriate for the Board to dictate the specifics of the PLA. Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Chief Business Official Mark Schiel acknowledged that while staff might not need direct instructions, they have noted valuable community feedback and are already engaging with the South Bay Labor Council.

PLA negotiations are set to begin soon and continue through the end of 2024. The PLA will return to the Board for approval in January 2025, with the bidding process starting in March 2025. If everything proceeds as planned, construction of underground utilities will commence in June 2025, followed by building construction in September 2025.

**Pool Renovations**

Santa Clara and Wilcox high schools' pools are set for significant upgrades. Over the summer, Santa Clara Unified replaced boilers and installed new piping and vents. Following the water polo season, variable frequency drive pumps will be installed. However, further inspection revealed that the pool plaster and tiling need replacement, necessitating a complete overhaul of the pool decks at both schools. This major project also requires ADA updates and equipment replacement, totaling $3.2 million per pool.

Michal Healy, Director of Facility Development and Planning, presented additional options, including MUSCO Competitive Sport Lighting, new fencing and gates, outdoor showers, a shade structure over the bleachers, and a new scoreboard—each option costing an additional $1 million per pool. Wilcox could also receive acoustics treatment and a visitor restroom, with the restroom and storage building estimated at $5.6 million.

The Board decided to proceed with the essential upgrades and most of the additional options, though they found the restroom expense too high and requested it be included only if additional funding is available. Staff will explore funding sources and provide more information when the matter returns to the Board.

Construction is expected to begin in January 2026 and take six months per pool. Healy is consulting with the principals of Santa Clara and Wilcox to determine whether to stagger the construction or work on both pools simultaneously.

**Other Business**

The Board approved a fee waiver request from the Santa Visits Alviso Foundation for their holiday event but requested additional information on liability insurance coverage, which staff will gather and present later.

Kent Johnson was appointed Vice-Principal at Cabrillo Middle School.