By Brian Park
Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Joseph Farley said Wednesday that facility upgrades at school campuses could cost more than $1 billion.
During an informal discussion with the Board of Trustees, Farley briefly outlined a few of the district’s goals and objectives for the remaining school year, as well as the next one.
Facility upgrades at several campuses, including modernization efforts, will be among the district’s top priorities, according to Farley.
“We have a number of campuses, while not built in the 50s, are beginning to show their wear. We have campuses that were built int he 50s that look pretty good actually,” Farley said. “Looks like more than $1 billion in work.”
The district will also look to improve school safety, security and student supervision. Farley also said the district will continue to emphasize its instructional initiatives, and staff is currently doing work to upgrade and update CUSD’s strategic plan.
“We’re proud of what we’ve done. We’ve accomplished all of this in the worst economic crisis of any school district in California,” Farley said. “But I think the most important thing is not letting our financial crisis stop us from moving forward.”
Board President John Alpay will collect written comments from fellow trustees and submit them to Farley and district staff for discussion during the next board meeting, Wednesday, March 13.
