DUBLIN FUTURE HIGH SCHOOL TIMELINE/UPDATES*

Overview: Multi-phase project to build a new comprehensive high school on the east side of Dublin. Phase one of the project is designed to accommodate 1,300 students and includes academic towers, a gymnasium, visual and performing arts classrooms, administrative and counseling space, a football field, a track, and tennis courts. Once funded, phase two will feature an additional academic tower, theater, aquatic complex, and stadium bleachers. When finished, the new high school will accommodate approximately 2,500 students. A more detailed overview of Phases 1 & 2 can be found below.

Funding Source (Phase One):

• Measure H: $158M
• Additional Funding (Approximately $8.2M): Developer fees 

From Measure H: "Construct initial phase(s) of new high school and all related improvements"

Estimated Cost (Phase One): $166.6M

Estimated Cost (Phases 1 & 2): $258.2M

Architect: SIM-PBK

Contractor: TBD

DUSD Project Manager: Chris Stevens, Chief Facilities Operations Officer, Dublin Unified School District, 925-828-2551

Groundbreaking Date: Estimated late August/early September 2020

Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2022 (for Phase 1 which will accommodate approximately 1,300 students)

Location: Empty parcel of land between Central Parkway (North) and Dublin Boulevard (South) where Grafton Street and Finnian Way intersect

 STATUS OF LAND ACQUISITION: 

December 2019: On December 2, 2019, the Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved placing a $290 million bond measure on the March 2020 ballot. Priority elements of the bond include completion of phase two of the new comprehensive high school, the development of a middle school at Dublin Crossing to meet the growing needs for our middle school students, work at Dougherty Elementary School to address facilities needs, technology upgrades, districtwide safety improvements, and funding for improvements at Cottonwood Creek, including money for a gym, should the school remain a K-8

December 2019: During the December 17, 2019, Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved a settlement agreement in the eminent domain action initiated by the District to acquire the land for our future comprehensive high school. This is a significant milestone that brings the Dublin community one step closer to the realization of a dream - a comprehensive high school on the east side of town. http://bit.ly/DUSD-121819

October 2019: The District is acquiring the property for the future high school under the eminent domain process. Simply put, the government has the right to file a lawsuit to acquire private property for public use, so long as it pays just compensation or fair market value, even if the seller is not a willing participant.

In the Fall of 2018, the District made an offer to purchase the property from its current owner but was not able to reach an agreement on price. As such, District staff recommended the Board authorize and direct the acquisition of the property via eminent domain. The District filed its eminent domain lawsuit in October 2018. In the February 26, 2019 Board meeting, legal counsel confirmed that, per statute, a trial date would likely not be set until approximately a year after the lawsuit commenced, meaning that if the parties could not negotiate a resolution through the eminent domain litigation process, a trial would not happen until after October 2019 or later.

The property owner is not disputing the District’s right to purchase the property for use as the high school and is instead disputing the amount of compensation they should receive.

The District and the property owner have engaged in one round of mediation regarding the purchase price and have a settlement conference coming up on November 14, 2019. If the parties are unable to agree on a purchase price, the matter is scheduled to go to trial on December 9, 2019, where a jury will determine the property value and the lawsuit will be resolved.

In short, the process of acquiring the land is nearing completion. It has never been a question of “if” we can acquire the land via eminent domain, rather “when.”

February 2019: During the February 26, Board meeting, district staff and legal counsel stated that the eminent domain action continues to move forward. The District has a verbal agreement with the owner to go to mediation. The District has deposited the probable amount of compensation, based on the appraised value of the property ($29.01M), into court. The property owner can settle and withdrawal the money at any time. If an agreement is not made, litigation drags on, and the school site design is ready to go, there is a statutory process to gain possession of the site before a final judgment so that the construction process can move forward and timelines are kept. Board president Miller asked if there was any doubt about the District's ability to acquire the land, and legal counsel said there was not. A video containing the full update can be found online at http://bit.ly/DUBD-BV-22619. You can jump to the specific segment addressing the high school by clicking item "F1" on the agenda. 

PROJECT UPDATES

2020

May 2020: The Dublin Unified School District (the District) prepared a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) Report in accordance with Education Code section 17213.1, subdivision (a)(4)(B). A public comment period for the PEA Report began on May 18, 2020 and goes through June 17, 2020. The report was presented as Action Item H1 (Notice of Availability and Public Hearing for the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) Report for the 2nd Comprehensive High School site) during the May 27, 2020 Board Meeting and posted in the headline section of the District website. Comments received during the public comment period, and during tonight's public hearing, will be forwarded to the DTSC at the close of the public comment period for inclusion in the final report.

April 2020: Election results are certified and Measure J has passed, securing much-needed funding for the second phase of the future comprehensive high school. 

April 2020: During April 28, 2020 Board meeting, review proposed grade level configurations for the district, including plans for the future comprehensive high school.

March 2020: During the March 31 Board Meeting (item I4) the board decided to "Postpone this item (a public comment period on the naming options for the new high school) until such time that we can convene in an in-person meeting." The vote was 3-2 in favor of postponing.

March 2020: During the March 10 Board meeting (Action Item I1), the first public hearing was held regarding the naming of the future high school.

March 2020: On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Election Day, Dublin voters cast ballots for (or against) Measure J. Part of Measure Priority elements of the bond include completion of phase two of the new comprehensive high school.

February 2020: During the February 25, 2020 Board meeting, Pursuant to Board Policy and Administrative Regulation, Number 7310, "Naming of Facility," a School Naming Committee was formed to solicit suggested names for the new high school in east Dublin. The Committee met December 4, 2019, January 15, 2020, and January 29, 2020, and corresponded via email throughout the process. Additionally, between December 2019 and January 2020, the Committee conducted a community survey to solicit names for the new high school. There were a total of 264 submissions. On January 15, the Committee narrowed down the list to 25 possible names. On the January 29 meeting, the list was reviewed and ranked. The top three name recommendations were submitted to the Superintendent on February 2, 2020. The Committee proposed to move forward with the following three names:
- Alamilla Springs High School
- Emerald High School
- Parks High School
In alignment with Board Policy 7310 and Administrative Regulation 7310, the next step for the Board of Trustee is, within 60 days, to schedule the two Public Hearing dates.

January 31, 2020: The school naming committee provides recommendations to Superintendent

January 2020: Approve Amendment to Existing Agreement with Placeworks for CEQA Consulting Services for Second Comprehensive High School during January 28, 2020 Board meeting.

2019

December 17, 2019: During the December 17, 2019, Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved a settlement agreement in the eminent domain action initiated by the District to acquire the land for our future comprehensive high school. This is a significant milestone that brings the Dublin community one step closer to the realization of a dream - a comprehensive high school on the east side of town. http://bit.ly/DUSD-121819

November 21, 2019: School naming committee formed

October 22, 2019: Board initiates the process to name the future high school

October 22, 2019: Future high school site plan and phasing documents provided by the SIM-PBK

October 15, 2019: The district issued a letter to the community regarding the status of the future high school project, pointing the community back to this update page for access to the fly-through video and new site renderings.

Renderings based on the approved site design can be viewed at the following location: http://bit.ly/FutureHS-Renderings 

October 10, 2019: Notice of Preparation: Draft Environmental Impact Report/Scoping Meeting at Fallon Middle School and Promenade High School Project EIR Scoping Meeting Presentation.

July 18, 2019: Notice was given that the Dublin Unified School District has completed an Initial Study and Negative Declaration (IS/ND) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act for the future high school project at the Promenade site. Documents relating to this study are available for the public to review and download at http://bit.ly/DUSD-FHS-ISND

June 25, 2019: Following multiple rounds of stakeholder input meetings, and design concept reviews, the District and design firm, SIM-PBK, presented a final site plan concept and educational program to the Board, which it unanimously approved during the June 25, 2019 meeting (item I.5 on the DUSD Board of Trustees agenda). 

Download: Supporting Documents (Site Plan, Budget)

Board Video: June 25 Meeting

In August 2017, the Board initially budgeted $100 million for Phase I of the future high school, which was designed to accommodate 1,000 students. This initial budget was later expanded to $135 million to include a gym, with all monies coming from Measure H.

The updated design, presented and approved by the board on June 25, incorporated many additional changes asked for in community stakeholder meetings, increasing Phase I student capacity to approximately 1,300 students at an estimated cost of $166.6 million. 

The District plans to make up the difference between the money allocated for Phase I and the estimated cost of the expanded project through various sources, including state reimbursement due from the construction of J.M. Amador Elementary School, existing developer fees, and developer fees received if the AT Dublin project is approved. The Amador reimbursement alone is expected to be approximately $28 million.

Phase II of the project will allow the site to house approximately 2,550 students at a total estimated cost (Phase I & II) of approximately $268.8 million. 

Phase I Project Details:

• Student Capacity: Approximately 1,300
• Estimated Cost: $166.6 million
• Currently Allocated Funds: $158 million from Measure H
• Additional Funding of $8.2 million: developer fees received if the AT Dublin project is approved.
• Tower One (Two-Stories): Administration & Counseling, Two-Story Library, 125-seat Lecture Hall, Food Court, and Student Union Space
• Tower Two (Three-Stories): 22 Standard Classrooms, four Chemistry Labs, four Flex Science Labs, Special Education, and two Electronic Arts Rooms
• Gymnasium: 2,500 seats with three full basketball courts
• Locker Room: Boys & Girls Locker Rooms, Team Rooms, and a Weight Room & Training Room
• Visual and Performing Arts Classrooms:  Music, Dance, Art, Ceramics, and Video Production
• All-Weather Track
• Synthetic Football/Soccer Field
• Field Lights
• Eight Tennis Courts

Phase II Project Details

• Student Capacity: Approximately 2,550
• Estimated Cost (Phase I & II): $258.2 million
• Funding: Funding for Phase II will require a future bond
• Tower Three (Three-Stories): 27 Standard Classrooms, seven Science Labs, and four Engineering Labs
• 820-seat Performing Arts Theater with Support Facilities
• Stadium Bleachers

Still Under Consideration by The Board

• Aquatic Complex with 50-meter Competition Pool and Warm-Up Pool

June 19, 2019: DUSD Facilities Workshop scheduled to review and prioritize projects and budgets. The future high school will be part of this discussion. The workshop starts at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. 

Download: Facilities Workshop Presentation (Future High School content starts on slide 36)

Board Video: June 19 Meeting - We recommend you view the video when reviewing the presentation because it provides critical context that would be otherwise missed

May 29, 2019: Architect firm SIM-PBK presented revised concepts to the Board based on ongoing community input. The firm is now waiting on direction from the Board regarding some key design areas. For more details, download the most recent presentation and watch the May 29 Board meeting video.

Download: May 29 Presentation 

Board Video: May 29 Meeting (Item D1 in the agenda) - We recommend you view the video when reviewing the presentation because it provides critical context that would be otherwise missed

May 15, 2019: The Dublin Unified School District invited the community to provide input on the latest designs from architect firm SIM-PBK. Read the letter to the community for details.

Download: Community Letter 

May 8, 2019: The Dublin Unified School District held a Special Board Meeting/Facilities Workshop, where it reviewed the status of many projects, including the future high school. During the review of the future high school project, architect firm SIM-PBK shared three new design concepts based on community feedback. The materials that were presented can be downloaded below. We have also provided a link to the video of the board meeting (future high school discussion begins at the 57:00 mark) so that critical context is available. We highly recommend reviewing the presentation and video at the same time.

Board Meeting Video: May 8 Meeting - We recommend you view the video when reviewing the presentation because it provides critical context that would be otherwise missed

Download: Facilities workshop presentation

    

May 8, 2019: Cottonwood Creek students reviewed design concepts created by architect firm SIM-PBK. These six designs were based on stakeholder input received over the last month

    

May 7, 2019: Wells Middle School students reviewed six design concepts created by architect firm SIM-PBK. These six designs were based on stakeholder input received over the last month

    

May 2, 2019: Dublin High School students reviewed six design concepts created by architect firm SIM-PBK. These six designs were based on stakeholder input received over the last month

    

April 30, 2019: More than a hundred Fallon Middle School students reviewed six design concepts created by architect firm SIM-PBK. These six designs were based on stakeholder input received over the last month. 

    

April 22, 2019: During the April 22 meeting with the community representative group at Fallon Middle School, David Iwanaga and John Smith from architect firm SIM-PBK presented six updated high school design concepts based on input received from staff and community stakeholder groups over the last month. These six new concepts will be reviewed at various school sites and during the Facilities Workshop on May 8 at 5PM in the district office board room. The new concepts are part of the ongoing process of seeking stakeholder input in an effort to develop an educational specification that will result in the final high school design. In the attachment, slide 2 shows site easements, slides 3-12 show images from the stakeholder charrette activity on April 16, and slides 13-18 show six new design concepts based on stakeholder input.

Download: Presentation from April 22 community meeting

April 16, 2019: Parent and community representatives providing input for the future high school design conducted a mini "charrette" with the architects at Fallon.

    

April 11, 2019: Stakeholder meetings were held with the following internal audiences: High School Counselors, Theater Manager, Athletics

April 11, 2019: A stakeholder meeting was held at FMS with the following audience: Parent and Community members 

April 11, 2019: Stakeholder meetings were held with the following internal audiences: Special Education, M&O/Custodial, IT Dept., Clerical Staff

March 29, 2019: Stakeholder meetings were held with the following internal audiences: CTE, PTLW, Librarians, Tutoring

March 28, 2019: All Dublin community members are invited to participate in a public forum with SIM-PBK partner David Iwanaga to provide input about priorities for the design of the school and suggestions for opening Phase 1 in 2022 with 1,000 students

Download: Community input findings

March 28, 2019: Stakeholder meetings were held with the following internal audiences: Child Nutrition, Art Teachers, Science Teachers, and Lab Support

March 27, 2019 -- April 12, 2019: SIM-PBK partner David Iwanaga will meet with DUSD staff to gather input for specific design features of classrooms, specialized learning facilities (e.g. art, music, Special Education) athletic facilities, administrative facilities, food service areas, and other specialty areas

March 21, 2019: Parents invited to participate on the Educational Specification Design team met with SIM-PBK partner David Iwanaga to explain the design process, describe the constraints of the property on the design of the new facility, gather input about priorities for the design of the school, and answer parent questions.

   

March 21, 2019: SIM-PBK partner David Iwanaga provided an update on the design process to staff at Dublin High School during an informal lunch meeting.

March 7-14, 2019: Almost 150 community members completed a short application to participate as part of the Educational Specification Design team.  School site administrators and parent leaders reviewed applications from their communities and recommended participants. District leaders worked with the architect to expand the number of parent participants on the design team from 25 to 50.

March 8, 2019: SIM-PBK partner David Iwanaga and district staff met with City of Dublin staff to identify all constraints on the development of the property that could impact the design and placement of facilities on the parcel.

March 7, 2019: Initial Educational Specification meeting held at Dublin High School. SIM-PBK partner David Iwanaga met with classified and certificated staff representatives from both Dublin High School and Valley High School to explain the design process and answer staff questions about the timeline and process for design and construction

Download: SIMPBK Architectural Services Presentation

March 7: District-wide email communication sent regarding the ability to participate in input sessions for the new high school

February 26, 2019: During the regularly scheduled Board meeting, the DUSD Business Services Department provided an update on the status of the future high school, including land acquisition via eminent domain. (Item F1)

Late February 2019: Current Dublin High School and Valley High School staff members were invited to complete a survey

2018

November 13, 2018: Board asked to approve SIM-PBK Architects to provide architectural services in response to Request for Proposal 18/19-101 for the first phase of a future high school. Review of the conceptual animation showing what a new Dublin high school at the Promenade site might look like. [Conceptual animation video]

September 25, 2018: The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move forward with the acquisition of the Promenade site for use as a future high school. [Additional information] (Items H1, H2)

July 17, 2018: A Special Board Meeting took place where two resolutions that were part of the process of acquiring the Promenade site were reviewed. [Additional Information] (Items G2, G3)

June 12, 2018: The Board of Trustees approved the Promenade site as the location of a future high school. [Additional Information] (Item I5)

April 10, 2018: During the April 10. 2018 Board meeting the Board approved the reinstatement of an amendment to the Right of Entry Agreement for property inspection and testing purposes at the Promenade site. The Board also approved contracts with Placeworks for a CEQA review, and with Terraphase Engineering for a limited phase II environmental investigation. Investigation of the property is required before the District can purchase the site. (Item J5)

February 6, 2018: The Board of Trustees heard directly from the CRC as they presented their findings and answer questions about their work and corresponding report. (Item D1)

2017

August 23, 2017: Dublin Unified Trustees set capacity and initial funding allocation for future high school. [District Press Release]

August 22, 2017: Measure H funding plan and prioritization based on DK-12 capacity needs analysis and suggested capacity for the future high school project discussed during regular Board meeting. (Item H1)

August 8, 2017: the Dublin Unified School District initiated the formation of a Community Review Committee (CRC) to assess, analyze and explore options related to the plan for a future high school in the Dublin Unified School District. The CRC was comprised of 18 members representing stakeholders from across the district, chosen largely by fellow community members. The CRC worked under the direction of the Future High School Project Manager, a qualified professional from outside the District who served as a liaison between the committee and the District/Board of Trustees. The Project Manager, Doug Gephart, was hired in a temporary consulting role, and was not a voting member of the committee. (Item F2)

May 23, 2017: Regular Board meeting held at DHS Sports Complex. (Item D1)

February 1, 2017: The Board of Trustees eliminated four sites from the potential sites for a future high school in Dublin and directed staff to begin negotiations on remaining sites. Eliminated sites included: Camp Parks, Fallon Middle School, Croak Property, Chen Property. The Zeiss property on Hacienda and Gleason was added to the list. The Board of Trustees directs negotiations to begin for second high school site. [District Press Release]

2016

November 29, 2016: The Board of Trustees received a presentation from staff publicly outlining the property analysis process and the progress of site review. The Board provided direction to Facilities Staff regarding next-level analysis of sites, including appraisals, total project costs, budget updates, impacts to the City and funding sources.

November 15, 2016: The Trustees were provided a Closed Session update that included analysis of price and terms of sale that would be required for building a future high school facility in Dublin. The analysis was the result of more than 1,000 hours spent by staff and consultants. Staff and Board members toured all sites. Staff has met with site developers, owners and representatives as well as the Division of State Architecture. Technical data was gathered for each property with regard to existing infrastructure and conditions.

June 28, 2016: In a Work Study Session of the Board of Trustees, the Board examined potential property options for a second high school site. The Board directed staff to begin a next-level review on sites – specifically the cost to open a school on the site, the timeline to get an initial phase open and any program limitations or items that would eliminate a particular site. (Item D1). 

June 7, 2016: Measure H passed by Dublin residents to fund various school-related activities, including the first phase of a future high school.

April 2016: The District hosted Joint Meeting of the Dublin City Council and Board of Trustees in the DUSD Board Room to review the real property options for a second high school among other topics.

April 2016: By resolution, the Board established amended priorities for the Measure H bond funding, including funding for the first phase of a future high school.

March 2016: The final Facilities Master Plan was approved by the Board.

March 2016: The Board approved the initiation of a $283 million general obligation bond measure campaign (“Measure H”) to provide facility funding to the district. [Resolution No. 2016-17-36]

February 2016: Trustees voted on a recommendation by the Superintendent to begin the planning process to build a second high school in Dublin. [District Press Release]

February 2016: The Board of Trustees invited the community to come to regular meetings and provide input on high school options via agenda items.

January 2016: The Board of Trustees approved a contract with a new demographer, Davis Demographics.

January 2016: The FMPC held a second community forum and a ranking activity was completed to refine the number of HS options being explored. Terra Realty began to identify potential sites and presented options to the FMPC.

2015

November 2015: Per the request of the Superintendent, the District solicited the services of a Real Estate Consultant to provide the guidance and expertise on property identification, assessment and negotiations as necessary. Terra Realty Advisors was awarded a contract to provide these services for the District.

October 2015: The FMPC began monthly meetings to discuss the District’s facility needs, demographic trends, implementation of priorities and program cost/funding and scope of work. These meetings would continue through February 22, 2016.

September 2015: The District held its first Community Forum as part of the Master Plan process and identified high school capacity as a focal point of the FMP process. The Facilities Master Plan Committee (FMPC) was formed to assist in the development of the FMP, provide input on conceptual master plans and prioritization of projects.

July 2015: The Facilities Staff solicited proposals to hire a firm to partner with the district to prepare a comprehensive District Facilities Master Plan (FMP) to guide future school planning. The contract was awarded to LPA for the master planning process.

FMP

2015/2016 Facilities Master Plan: Initial phase of new high school outlined as a top priority.

If you have questions pertaining to growth in Dublin Schools, email them to communications@dublinusd.org.