The Governing Board of Benicia Unified School District will hear an update on current Measure S projects at Thursday’s school board meeting.

In June 2014, Benicia citizens voted to approve Measure S, which will provide $49.6 million in bond funding for projects at each of the seven district schools. The bond funds will be issued in three series: Series A, Series B and Series C. A fund of $20 million was issued in November 2014, and Series B and Series C are planned to be issued in 2017 and 2020 respectively.

The bond projects are grouped into four different categories: health, safety and security improvements; modernization and technology upgrades; infrastructure improvements; and student support facilities.

Among the projects to be funded by Series A are constructing new bleachers for Benicia High School, repairing or replacing leaky roofs and refurbishing multi-use rooms at all the schools, including Benicia High School’s Performing Arts Building.

According to a written update provided by Chief Business Official Tim Rahill, Measure S has actively funded projects in the last few weeks. On Sept. 29, Robert Semple Elementary’s new playground opened and received positive reception from the students, staff and community, Rahill wrote. However, additional work is needed to construct a handicap access point from the blacktop. The maintenance department began working on the handicap access Oct. 2, Rahill wrote.

Repainting at Benicia High began on Oct. 3. The school’s mansard roofing in particular has been in need of recoating, Rahill wrote.

A smoke hatch was installed at Robert Semple on Sept. 23 to complete the school’s roof project, Rahill wrote. Additionally, the maintenance department is evaluating rain gutters at each site.

“The remaining parts to complete the softball field bleachers at BHS have arrived, and we are working on a schedule to have them installed,” Rahill wrote.

Finally, a new play structure at Mary Farmar Elementary’s playground was completed in September.

Rahill will be providing additional information on the Measure S Bond Quarterly Update on Thursday. In other business, the board will hear a presentation from Rahill and Verde Design, Inc providing a draft of the schematic design for Benicia High’s Upper Field and Stadium Project. The board will also hear a report from Assistant Superintendent Marie Morgan on The Single Plan for Student Achievement, which would develop goals to support elementary students’ academic performances.

The Governing Board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 in the BUSD Board Room at the district building on 350 East K Street. There will be an earlier closed session at 6:30 p.m.

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