This wiki is dedicated to rebuilding the site of Herbert Hoover Elementary School in Palo Alto, California.
In 2017, PAUSD Board has received and approved the schematic design design for Hoover Elementary School.
The linked note from staff stated that
current market conditions have resulted in recent bids coming in as much as 20-30% above estimates and if this trend continues, the project cost may be higher
and yet
It is recommended the Board approve the schematic design for Hoover Elementary School.
There had been a suggestion by a Board member to de-risk the project by reducing its scope, getting under a budget, and later considering a separate project for the remaining work, to be funded by the next bond (Measure Z).
That that didn't happen suggests that the management and the Board were ok with carrying the risk of "20-30% above estimates", and still committing to 2023 as the completion date for the project.
By April 7, 2020, PAUSD Board solicited bids for the construction project that would include New Library, Administration and Multipurpose Building.
On August 25, 2020, PAUSD Board unanimously (with one member absent) rejected all bids for the project.
Board has cited two reasons:
On the first point, based on the Schematic Design discussion, Board and staff have anticipated the bids to come in 20-30% above estimates.
Appropriately, the staff note states that "The bid amount exceeds the budget, but that is not the reason for this rejection. Market conditions can change. Bids in the past have exceeded budget and funding has been found in bond reserves or other resources."
The mentioned bond reserves come from the Strong Schools Bonds from Measure A in 2008 and Measure Z in 2018, both approved and funded by the taxpayers.
The second reason conficts with the strong demand for the high-quality education offered at Hoover Elementary School (it's a lottery school with a waitlist).
Supporting materials, formatted for this wiki: