New playgrounds, safety upgrades and more advance under Measure D

REDLANDS, Calif. — New playground equipment is coming to three Redlands Unified elementary schools as the district moves ahead with another round of projects funded through Measure D, the $500 million school facilities bond approved by voters in 2024.

The Redlands Unified School Board on Aug. 11 approved up to $375,864 for new playground equipment and surfacing materials at Cram, Judson & Brown, and Smiley elementary schools.

The playground purchase is among several Measure D-funded projects recently advanced by the district, including a $3.82 million safety project at Beattie Middle School, additional work on the Redlands East Valley High School pool renovation and planning and design work for improvements at several other campuses.

At Cram and Judson & Brown elementary schools, the playground projects include new kindergarten play structures and surfacing materials.

Smiley Elementary will receive a new upper-grade play structure, swings and surfacing materials.

The timeline for installation was not immediately available.

Measure D projects moving forward

Measure D, approved by voters in November 2024, authorizes Redlands Unified to issue up to $500 million in bonds to modernize and improve school facilities throughout the district. The district began implementing the measure in 2025.

Other Measure D projects recently advanced by the school board include:

• Beattie Middle School safety project: The board awarded $3.82 million in construction bids for the first phase of safety improvements at Beattie Middle School. The project includes electrical and low-voltage system upgrades, concrete and asphalt paving improvements, and upgraded fencing and gates. The work was divided among four contractors, with the largest awards going to Rancho Pacific Electric Construction Inc. for electrical and low-voltage work and Golden West Fence for fencing and gates.
• REV pool renovation: The district recently approved a $94,716 change order for the school's pool renovation project, including replacement of deteriorated doors and frames, accessibility improvements and repairs related to drainage work.
• Kimberly hardcourt and ADA improvements: At Kimberly Elementary School, the district approved a $153,420 architectural and engineering agreement for hardcourt and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements. The project will include replacement of the existing hardcourt, grading and storm drain improvements, accessibility work and other site improvements.
• McKinley modernization: The district approved a $22,400 agreement for geotechnical engineering services supporting the planned modernization of McKinley Elementary School. The work includes soil testing, subsurface exploration and preparation of a geologic hazard report to help guide the project's design.
• Clement utility work: At Clement Middle School, the district approved a $7,504 agreement for underground utility survey work. Crews will use vacuum excavation to locate and verify existing utilities before construction, helping designers identify potential conflicts.
• High school tennis courts: The district approved a $9,750 agreement for a tennis court conditions study at Citrus Valley, Redlands East Valley and Redlands high schools. The study will evaluate existing court conditions, drainage and structural needs and develop recommendations and planning-level cost estimates for future improvements.

The agreements at Kimberly, McKinley and Clement represent early stages of larger facility projects, with architectural, geotechnical and utility work helping the district evaluate site conditions and prepare designs before construction.

Oversight committee reports on Measure D spending

The latest projects come as the Measure D Independent Citizens Oversight Committee continues reviewing the district's use of bond funds.

During a June 9 School Board presentation, committee chair Dan Jimenez said more than $26 million had been invested in completed projects since Measure D implementation began in 2025, including roofing, infrastructure, safety and other facility improvements.

Jimenez said Measure D projects “are already making a clear and visible impact across the schools in our district.”

The committee also reported that it had reviewed and certified the Measure D financial and performance audits and reviewed district bond expenditures. The independent committee is charged with informing the public about bond spending and determining whether Measure D funds are being used in accordance with voter-approved requirements.