The commission will review all aspects of the five-year construction project to upgrade and modernize facilities at Los Altos and Mountain View High Schools. Community leaders Hugh Bikle, David Boyd, Bob Grimm, Sid Hubbard and David Jury, who are experts in the fields of construction and finance, have volunteered to oversee construction.
"I feel fortunate that we have such a high-powered, sophisticated group bringing this level of expertise to the project as their gift to the community," said district Superintendent Don Phillips. "You can't buy this kind of experience at any price."
Phillips said members have been involved in major public construction projects, have extensive experience in government or participated in the High School Construction Review Committee.
Long-time Mountain View resident Hugh Bikle is president and owner of Thrust 4, a real estate development company. Active in redevelopment, Bikle monitored construction of the Mountain View Sports Pavilion and attended preliminary meetings for development of the Whisman Sports Center.
David Boyd is chairman of the board of WEBCOR Builders, Inc. a commercial contracting firm in San Mateo.
Los Altos Hills mayor pro tem Sid Hubbard is president of Hubbards Structures Inc. in Redwood City and was a member of the YMCA board, working with construction.
Retired from Hewlett Packard, former Los Altos mayor Bob Grimm was a member of the High School Construction Review Committee and was involved in monitoring construction of the San Jose Technology Center.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation Real Estate Manager David Jury also participated in the High School Construction Review Committee. He was involved in remodeling the Los Altos branch of the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, coordinated the project management for Community Services Agency's new building and participated in the new construction on downtown Castro Street.
"Since we are upgrading an investment residents made almost 40 years ago when these schools were first built, we want to make sure we do it right," Phillips said. "The charge of this commission is to guide us through the construction process and ensure accountability to the community."
In addition to ensuring that the quality of construction will meet the test of time, Phillips said the commission will monitor bids and construction costs with an eye to cost-effectiveness throughout the project. The commission will also make sure the project meets state safety standards and will help develop a long-term maintenance plan for the district.
"Although the Board has final approval on all aspects of the project, the expertise and advice of commission members will guide us as we make decisions about construction issues," Phillips said. "The commission will also make sure funds from the bond are used appropriately and effectively."
The members will meet throughout the construction period. All commission meetings will be open to the public, as are all district board of trustee meetings. For more information, call 940-4650.