In How Good of Shape Are San Juan Capistrano Schools?

Of the $822 million Capistrano Unified officials estimate they need to spend on renovations districtwide, schools in San Juan Capistrano need about 11 percent of that.

The percentage does not include Capistrano Valley High School, which some San Juan Capistrano students attend but is outside of the city.

Marco Forster Middle School, opened in 1968, has the most modernization needs, estimated to total $22.7 million. That would pay for items such as a new gymnasium, new P.E. classrooms and a new music room, among other amenities.

But all schools in San Juan Capistrano need some upgrading, the least of which is San Juan Hills, the district’s newest school, coming in with $1.4 million worth of repairs and technology upgrades.

The figures are “hard” costs – the costs of actual construction in 2013 dollars. Capo officials are estimating another 20 percent in “soft costs” – engineering, legal costs, etc. – and another 10 percent for contingencies.

In all, the district only has about $44 million on hand to address the near 10-digit need. The Board of Trustees is expected in December to discuss starting a few projects and how to fund the rest.

To see exactly what is needed at your school, click through the links below:

• Ambuehl Elementary – $10 million
• Del Obispo Elementary – $8 million
• Kinoshita Elementary – $7.7 million
• Marco Forster Middle School –$22.7 million
• San Juan Elementary – $13.8 million
• San Juan Hills High School – $1.4 million
• Serra High School – $7.8 million