Natalie Deeds: Expressed concerns about the contractor timeline. Ms. Deeds noted that even under ideal circumstances, the project wouldn't be completed until May 9th, coinciding with AP test week. She stated that moving students back to campus during this critical academic period, followed by two partial weeks with holidays and then finals, was not feasible. Ms. Deeds suggested that the funds could be better used to directly support students.

LAUSD Boardmember Nick Melvoin: Shared his appreciation for the trustees, Dr. Magee, and the staff's efforts during this challenging time. He reported visiting Pali with Army Corps of Engineers leadership to observe recovery progress. Mr. Melvoin emphasized that getting students back to in-person instruction remains the highest priority and pledged his support for any bridge funding needed. He noted that numerous civic leaders, foundations, and organizations have raised significant funds and are eager to provide financial support to Pali. He assured the board that LAUSD will continue working collaboratively regarding insurance proceeds and leasing arrangements. Mr. Melvoin encouraged the board to act with urgency while offering his continued assistance to help meet the community's needs.

GOOGLE FORM PUBLIC COMMENT: 

Linda Deeds: "I don’t think it’s worth it to spend the money to open the high school at a temporary location.  It’s been 2 months since the fire, and the administration hasn’t even finalized a site to move to, let alone renovated it.  The other schools that were impacted by the fires have already reopened in their temporary sites, and the delay that our school has faced speaks very strongly against the competency of the administration and school board.  However, at this point, the kids have spring break, state testing and AP testing coming up, so the amount of time they have left in the classroom is minimal.  Spending thousands of dollars for a few days of in- person learning doesn’t make financial sense.  It would be better to stay online and use the money for something else."

Anonymous: "Our family is very excited that the contract for Pali's temporary campus is nearly signed. We still have not heard anything about the upcoming AP exams, particularly the dates and locations for them. Our children have asked their AP teachers for this information and were told by the teachers that there is still no information regarding AP Exams. Officially, the date of the first exams is May 5th, which is less than 8 weeks away. Students need to know the status ASAP so they can plan accordingly."

The board entered closed session at 5:13pm with guests Kelly Farrell and James Kelly of Gensler. 

The board returned from closed session at 6:37pm. 

EDP Magee thanked the community for their patience and shared positive developments regarding a temporary facility. She explained that they had identified a location capable of accommodating all 2,500 students and staff, with priorities focused on safety and supporting mental health through in-person togetherness. Dr. Magee acknowledged crucial support from the City of Santa Monica and Gensler Architects, whose global resources enabled expedited planning. She noted that while returning to the original campus by August remains the goal, the temporary location would provide continuity if needed. Additional details would be presented at the upcoming town hall meeting tomorrow over Zoom.

Kelly Farrell, co-managing director of Gensler's Los Angeles office, presented plans for the temporary facility at the former Sears building located at 302 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90401. She outlined that the space would utilize three floors of the four-story building for instruction, providing 32 classrooms on the first floor, 21 classrooms on the second floor, and 22 classrooms on the third floor. Ms. Farrell shared that a mock-up of temporary classrooms had been constructed in just three days to test the concept, and displayed floor plans showing the layout of the facility, which includes an atrium that will provide natural light throughout the space. She noted their goal was mid-April occupancy, with architects on site working closely with contractors multiple times daily to expedite the design, permitting, and construction process. Ms. Farrell emphasized that many industry professionals were committed to supporting the school's return to in-person learning.

The Chair addressed the need to approve the overall relocation plan, including the financial information previously reported by the Budget and Finance Committee. She referenced LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin's financial commitment mentioned during public comment and noted ongoing fundraising efforts through the Director of Development.

The Chair emphasized that the Budget and Finance Committee considered the temporary relocation to be financially viable, with adequate resources to implement the plan efficiently.

Director of Operations Rafael Negroe outlined the lease agreement for 302 Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica as a six-month term with three optional two-month renewals, requiring 45-day notice. He noted this flexibility would accommodate uncertainties regarding the Fall 2025 campus return timeline. Mr. Negroe confirmed legal counsel had reviewed and approved the lease. EDP Magee added that the building owners had been exceptionally supportive and accommodating of the school's needs for returning to in-person learning.

Mr. Negroe confirmed that Gensler had submitted their fee proposal, which had been incorporated into the overall project budget.

Mr. Negroe explained that the request for modifications involved legal filing documents with the City of Santa Monica to allow certain exceptions regarding code and permitting requirements for establishing a school in the building. He noted that each filing would cost $1,400, with a maximum of three to four filings needed. Mr. Negroe confirmed they were prepared to submit these filings, acknowledging the city's helpful and supportive approach throughout the process.

Mr. Negroe reported that the CW Driver contract proposal had been included in the agenda documents and reviewed. He stated they were prepared to accept three exhibits that accompanied the contract: the timeline, terms, and budget.

Mr. Negroe described the Willscot contract for modular classrooms to be installed in the Sears parking lot. He confirmed the contract offered flexibility to adjust the number of units as needed, with corresponding cost adjustments. Mr. Negroe anticipated requiring fewer units than originally estimated, reducing lease, installation, and removal costs, and noted the contract included month-to-month terms after an initial period.

CBO Joe Lin will provide an update on insurance carrier response to the temporary relocation project proposal at the March 18 regular Board meeting.