Latest Updates
Measure M Update by Chief Business Official Dr. Stephen Choi (6/24/25)
Superintendent Dr. Linda de la Torre, Chief Business Official Dr. Stephen Choi, and Bond Program Manager CJ Knowland have been meeting with architectural firms from the District’s prequalified pool to present key projects planned under Measure M. Mr. Knowland has been leading the preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for architectural services associated with the program’s first phase. These RFPs are expected to be released to firms next week and will require submissions that include a detailed fee proposal, identification of the project team, and examples of relevant K–12 experience. Proposals are anticipated to be due in July, with contract recommendations scheduled for Board consideration in August.
In parallel with the RFP development, the District is developing initial project budgets for all Measure M initiatives. Staff are currently developing project narratives and a comprehensive phasing schedule, which will form the basis of a full Implementation Plan. This plan is progressing on schedule and is expected to be finalized by the end of June.
Facilities assessments have also moved forward, with roof inspections completed at every school site. Preliminary findings indicate that the roof at San Marino High School is in the most deteriorated condition. The District’s roofing consultant is preparing formal reports to help prioritize roofing needs. Once finalized, the District will use California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS) pricing to efficiently solicit and procure the necessary roofing work.
In addition, Mr. Knowland is preparing Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) to establish a professional services pool to support Measure M over the life of the program. These RFQs will cover a broad range of service categories, including DSA Inspectors of Record (IOR), special inspections and materials testing, CEQA consulting, surveying and civil engineering, and geotechnical services. The goal is to streamline procurement by pre-qualifying vendors for faster response and more efficient project execution.
Looking ahead, the Board will receive a presentation in August on construction delivery methods. Mr. Knowland will outline the benefits and tradeoffs of approaches such as Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and Lease-Leaseback, and seek input to guide the District’s implementation strategy.
On the financial side, the District successfully completed its initial $40 million Measure M bond sale earlier in the day. Superintendent de la Torre and Dr. Choi participated in a bond rating meeting with Moody’s alongside financial advisor Keygent and underwriter Piper Sandler. As a result of the District’s strong fiscal management, the bond achieved a solid AA1 rating. Despite global financial uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions and oil price volatility, the bond sale attracted 30 unique investors, including industry leaders such as Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Eaton Vance.
Concurrently, the District is taking action to pay off the remaining balance of its Certificates of Participation (COP). Working in collaboration with bond counsel DWK and Keygent, the District plans to use proceeds from the bond sale to pay off the $2.65 million balance. The transaction is scheduled for completion by July 10.
While construction activity is not yet visible, significant planning, financial structuring, and vendor engagement are well underway. San Marino Unified remains committed to transparency and community engagement and will continue providing regular updates.
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Measure M Update by Chief Business Official Dr. Stephen Choi (5/27/25)
Since the May 13 Board Study Session, significant progress has been made in advancing the implementation of the Measure M bond program. Based on Board feedback, a refined multi-year bond issuance strategy is being developed to align with educational goals, fiscal responsibility, and regulatory compliance. Preliminary project budgets, grounded in the Facilities Master Plan, are informing a detailed implementation plan that addresses project sequencing, aligns timelines with bond cash flow, and defines the overall delivery strategy. Bond program manager CJ Knowland has projected what can feasibly be completed by July 2028, along with estimated expenditures, ensuring full utilization of a $40 million first issuance within the projected timeframe while allowing for potential delays. In collaboration with CJ, bond accounting and project management software platforms are under evaluation to ensure robust financial reporting and transparency. Approved architectural firms are being engaged for early-impact Measure M projects, with site tours and meetings being scheduled. Meetings with school principals are also planned to gather site-specific input and feedback. Two resolutions were presented for Board action: one authorizing the County of Los Angeles to establish a tax rate for Measure M bonds and the other authorizing the issuance and sale of the first bond series. Ongoing coordination with the Board President and Vice President will ensure continued alignment and timely decisions, and Measure M updates will remain available on the District website.
Please join the San Marino Unified School District Board of Education for a study session on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM to discuss bond project prioritization and financing. District leadership and school principals, together with SMUSD Bond Project Manager CJ Knowland, will present strategic options for prioritizing Measure M projects. The session will also feature an update on bond financing from SMUSD Financial Advisor Chet Wang of Keygent. Additional attendees include SMUSD consultant Pearl Iizuka and Facilities Advisory Committee Chair Jeff Morris. We invite you to join us and listen to this informative study session as the Board considers critical decisions for the future of our schools. This session will be accessible in person in the SMUSD Board Room, online via Zoom at www.smusd.us/media, and will be recorded and posted on YouTube shortly following the meeting.
Dear San Marino Unified School District Community,
I am pleased to provide you with an update on the progress of our Measure M Bond initiatives following the successful passage of Prop 39 Facilities Bond. Our goal is to manage these important funds responsibly and transparently while ensuring that our facilities meet the highest standards for our students and staff.
Key Updates
- Appointment of the Measure M Bond Oversight Committee
The Board of Education has taken a significant step by appointing a seven-member Measure M Bond Oversight Committee. This committee is designed to ensure accountability, provide valuable community insight, and maintain transparency in every phase of our bond fund expenditures. The Board of Education appointed the following individuals to serve a two-year term:
Mr. Richard Brunette, a Senior Member is a long-time resident of San Marino with decades of experience as a real estate, banking, and finance attorney. His professional expertise is complemented by his deep commitment to community service—evidenced by his long-standing volunteer work with numerous San Marino organizations and his past role on the Board of Trustees for the San Marino Schools Foundation. As a 30-year community member, he brings a personal connection to our schools as a parent of five grown children and a grandparent to two young children.
Jeanie Caldwell, an At Large Member, brings extensive expertise in managing large portfolios of commercial construction loans and has proven herself as a leader in financial oversight. A long-time San Marino resident and parent to two children who have attended our schools, she has a rich history of service on the Board of Education during major construction initiatives. During that period, she collaborated closely with the Board, District Staff, and Oversight Committee, and even led the Facilities Advisory Committee, ensuring that projects were executed to their fullest potential.
Paul Callahan, a Business Community Member, is a proud graduate of San Marino High School and the owner and operator of Casa Bonita Development, Inc. With 35 years of experience in local construction, business, and development, he has also contributed significantly to our community by serving 18 months on the San Marino Unified School District Facilities Advisory Committee, where he played an integral role in shaping the District’s Facilities Master Plan.
Kevin Cheng, an Active Parent Member, holds a JD in tax law and a BS in business administration, and he is a licensed real estate broker. Currently serving as the Director of Construction for the City of Hope, he oversees a capital program exceeding $1.58B. His professional credentials are matched by his dedication to community service, having volunteered for 18 months on the District’s Facilities Advisory Committee, where he assisted in developing our Facilities Master Plan, all while actively supporting numerous local organizations.
Stephanie Duncan, A taxpayer Group Member, is a dedicated member of the Howard Jarvis Tax Payer Association with a wealth of experience in designing and constructing medical office suites and working with contractors. For over four decades, she has been an active volunteer in San Marino—serving as PTA President at both Huntington Middle School and San Marino High School, as well as holding roles as PTA Council President and PTAffiliates President. Her professional background includes managing her husband’s spine surgery practice, and her previous service on the SMUSD bond oversight and parcel tax committees further deepens her connection to our schools, both as a volunteer and as a parent and grandparent.
Erik Luk, an At Large Member, is a licensed architect with over 33 years of expertise and brings a robust background in construction management, bidding, negotiations, contracts, building finance, and the supervision of builders and subcontractors. Beyond his impressive professional qualifications, he is an active volunteer at Carver Elementary, Huntington Middle School, and the high school. With 30 years of experience in development and property management, he also manages properties across three continents, offering both local and global perspectives, all while being a parent to three children currently enrolled in our schools.
Lisa Wang, a Current Parent and Active PTA Member, is the current San Marino High School PTA President, holds a BS in Accounting and an MS in Taxation, and is a certified public accountant with extensive experience in managing budgets and financial operations. As a dedicated parent with four children who have attended San Marino schools—her youngest having recently graduated—she has also devoted the past 15 years to volunteering in various capacities within our school community, demonstrating her steadfast commitment to education.
Each member brings a unique blend of qualifications, volunteer service, and professional experience, ensuring that the Measure M Bond Oversight Committee is well-equipped to serve our community with transparency, accountability, and dedication.
- Bond Management Consultant Service
We have already issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Bond Management Consultant Services and are pleased to announce that we have received six strong responses. We plan to begin interviewing these firms in March, aiming to select a highly qualified consultant who will support District leadership in effectively managing our bond projects.
Our Strategic Plan Moving Forward
Our comprehensive plan includes several critical components:
- Citizen Oversight: Along with the new Oversight Committee, we will continue to engage qualified community members when and where appropriate.
- Professional Expertise: In addition to the Bond Management Consultant, we will soon engage a Construction Manager and an Architectural Firm to ensure that project implementation is efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with our Facilities Master Plan and modern educational needs.
- Facilities Planning: We are actively developing a phased facilities plan that prioritizes urgent infrastructure needs, ensures Board input, and supports a clear project roadmap.
- Financial Management and Reporting: Dedicated accounts have been set up for bond funds, and we are committed to regular quarterly updates and annual audits to maintain public trust and compliance with Prop 39 requirements.
- Ongoing Community Engagement: We will continue to share project updates through our website, newsletters, community meetings, and social media. Our objective is to keep you well-informed about key achievements and upcoming milestones.
This structured approach reflects our commitment to using bond funds effectively, ensuring the safety and modernization of our school facilities, and keeping our community engaged in every step of the process.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to enhance our District’s educational environment for current and future students.
Sincerely,
Linda de la Torre, Ed.D.
Superintendent
San Marino Unified School District
- Kevin Cheng
- Lisa Wang
- Richard Brunette
- Paul Callahan
- Stephanie Duncan
- Jeanie Caldwell
- Eric Luk
