Measure D bond fuels major upgrades across Redlands schools

RUSD Facilities and Planning Director Ken Morse outlined current Measure D projects from roofing to playground improvements.

Measure D bond fuels major upgrades across Redlands schools
Lugonia Path of Travel photos from presentation to school board on Sept. 9, 2025. (Photos: Courtesy RUSD)

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Unified School District’s (RUSD) $500 million Measure D bond, approved by voters in November 2024, is helping transform campuses across the district. 

At Tuesday’s school board meeting, Facilities and Planning Director Ken Morse detailed the projects that have been completed, those underway and what’s on the horizon.

Why it matters: Measure D has been used to fund campus improvements across the district, focusing on safety, infrastructure and modernization. More than 80% of local schools are over 60 years old, making basic health and safety repairs critical.

Details: Morse emphasized that the district is taking a strategic approach to ensure the bond delivers long-term value for students, staff and the community. From addressing infrastructure issues to creating modern, accessible outdoor learning spaces, the upgrades touch nearly every corner of the district.

Here is a look at some of the completed and current projects made possible through Measure D funding:

  • Lugonia Path of Travel: This project improves campus accessibility, focusing on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and safer routes for students, staff and visitors. The project focused on repairs to a persistent sinkhole. Once fixed, it created a usable outdoor learning space.
  • Lugonia Shade Structure: Originally unused due to a dirt base, the structure now features ADA-compliant concrete, making it a safe gathering spot that is already being used by classes.
  • Roofing Upgrades: A $20 million contract approved in April 2025 covers roofing at 13 sites, preventing leaks and structural damage. Completed sites include Kimberly, Bryn Mawr, Cope, Franklin, and Mentone. Additional schools include:
    • Arroyo Verde Elementary School
    • Citrus Valley High School
    • Crafton Elementary School
    • Lugonia Elementary School
    • McKinley Elementary School
    • Mission Elementary School
    • Redlands East Valley High School
Roof repairs at Cope Middle School, Crafton Elementary, McKinley Elementary and Kimberly Elementary (clockwise from left) are funded through Measure D. (Photos courtesy of RUSD)
  • Redlands East Valley (REV) Theater Drainage: This project addressed persistent flooding at the performing arts facility. The site is now protected from water damage, plus it created a safer outdoor practice space.
  • REV Stadium Completion: Phase II of III is now finished, adding bleachers, a new field, and supporting facilities. Read about the grand opening here.
  • REV Pool Renovation: Structural repairs, including foundation work and upgrades to filtration and circulation systems, are underway. The goal is to reopen this year by the start of swim season.
  • Orangewood High Restroom Expansion: Stalls needed to be added in order to meet code compliance. Further beautification is planned for winter break.
  • Playground Upgrades: Improvements at Lugonia, Bryn Mawr, Mentone, Franklin, and Victoria include new shade structures and enhanced play areas.
Measure D funding has been used to replace and improve district playgrounds, including a new play structure at Lugonia Elementary (top left) and shaded swings with a pathway at Bryn Mawr Elementary (top middle and bottom).

Safety and security upgrades, estimated to cost $45 million, are also planned for the district's four middle school campuses, according to the district's website. The projects include things such as new bell and paging system, upgraded camera system, perimeter fencing upgrades, locks and door access readers and single-point-of-office access.

What they’re saying: “When the team gets together and plans projects, we're looking at things that will help our students be more competitive in any environment,” Morse said. “Whether that is on a field, in a classroom or in outside learning areas. 

Moving forward: Upcoming projects include the Citrus Valley High School (CVHS) Disaster Recovery Mainframe, middle school safety infrastructure upgrades, continued roofing improvements and the relocation of the CVHS Central Kitchen. 

Measure D signs have been installed at project sites including a QR code to scan for more information.

Morse also said a new district-wide facilities master plan will be made available in October.

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