The Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) Board of Education has prioritized the development of a Facilities Master Plan (FMP). Thank you to everyone who has participated in the community feedback process to assist in identifying and prioritizing projects for the NMUSD Board of Education to consider moving forward to construction. 

Below is some background information, current updates, and next steps regarding the Facility Master Plan.

BACKGROUND

Fall 2023: NMUSD contracted with DLR Group (DLR) to assist with the development of a Facility Master Plan. 

DLR and district staff assessed each school site; conducted community meetings; and surveyed staff, community, and students to gather feedback regarding the existing condition of facilities and suggestions for improvement.

March 22, 2024: The NMUSD Board of Education conducted a study session to discuss the proposed FMP.  

April 2, 2024: The NMUSD Board of Education formally received the FMP, which identifies $2.5 billion in recommended facility improvement projects.

April 3, 2024: The FMP website was formally launched to inform the community about proposed projects for the district's long-term facility needs. 

April 16, 2024: A second online survey was launched to gather community input to assist in prioritizing projects identified in the FMP.

CURRENT STATUS

May 14, 2024, Board of Education Meeting

The NMUSD Board of Education received a summary of the online survey results from community input prioritizing the proposed facility improvements outlined in the FMP. 

The NMUSD Board of Education subsequently approved the prioritization of projects (see pages 14-15), which reflects community input and is aligned with the board's priorities.

More than 1,400 participants (parents, employees, students, and community members) provided feedback as part of the online survey seeking input on proposed facility improvements. The survey respondents were instrumental in assisting the district in prioritizing projects for the NMUSD Board of Education to consider moving forward to construction.

Overall feedback from the survey noted the following priority projects:

• Restrooms
• Instructional Spaces
• Theater/Multipurpose Rooms
• Parking Expansion
• Athletic and Outdoor Spaces
• Food Service & Dining
• Library and Media Centers
• Administration and Support Spaces
• Site Utilities

Page 14-15 of the May 14, 2024, Board of Education Facility Master Plan Presentation notes currently planned projects and anticipated sequencing for Phase 1 priority projects.

NEXT STEPS

With the approval of priority projects, NMUSD staff will proceed to develop detailed recommendations on the projects outlined in Phase 1. Staff also will finalize recommendations for projects within the program enhancement category. 

A combination of funding sources will be necessary to complete Phase 1 projects. Typically, NMUSD uses a combination of the following sources to fund capital needs:

• Developer/Mitigation Fees
• State School Facility Program Funding
• General Fund Capital Contributions
• General Obligation Bonds

Most Phase 1 projects are funded; however additional funding will be required. District staff are researching various funding source options and will provide recommendations on projects and potential funding sources at a future Board of Education meeting.

Thank you for your participation in developing the FMP. Your invaluable feedback has helped us prioritize projects that will best serve our students, staff, and community. Your involvement is crucial to our success, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to enhancing our educational environment.