Michelle Ross, Superintendent
Measure R Program Outlook: February 2026
At the February 12, 2026 Board of Education meeting, the district shared an important update regarding Measure R planning and next steps.
New Development: Updated Fault Zone Map
In November 2025, the California Geological Survey released a revised Alquist-Priolo fault zone map. The updated boundary now places the entire Pescadero Middle/High School campus within a designated Earthquake Fault Zone.
This information was not available during earlier planning phases. While disappointing, it requires us to pause and follow state-mandated next steps.
Under California Administrative Code (Title 24), new school construction cannot occur within 50 feet of an active fault trace. The district must now complete a detailed seismic fault study before any new construction can move forward.
What This Means
A required fault study will take approximately nine months.
The study will determine whether safe, buildable areas exist on campus. Design work for new construction at the Middle/High School will pause during this process to avoid financial risk to taxpayers.
Importantly, this does not impact existing buildings. Current facilities remain in use and are outside previously mapped fault trace locations.
While this is a setback, it does not change our commitment to improving facilities safely and responsibly.
Strategic Shift: Focus on Pescadero Elementary School
While the seismic study is underway, the district will shift focus to priority needs at Pescadero Elementary School.
The Board was informed that:
The County of San Mateo has committed $500,000 toward a power redundancy project.
The recommendation is to keep Pescadero Elementary open (no grade span consolidation).
Project priorities will focus on ensuring facilities are warm, safe, and dry.
Infrastructure Needs at Pescadero Elementary
As part of ongoing site walks and facilities assessments, the district has identified aging infrastructure systems at Pescadero Elementary. Early observations from these reviews indicate that heating may be a high-priority need due to system age and reliability concerns. However, no final project determinations have been made.
A March community engagement session will provide an opportunity to ensure stakeholder voice helps guide next steps. We look forward to engaging school staff, families, and community members to help confirm priorities and ensure future investments reflect community voice.
Next Steps
The district will:
Initiate the required seismic fault study (9-month timeline).
Advance architectural and engineering planning for Pescadero Elementary priorities.
Prepare required submissions to the Division of the State Architect (DSA).
Continue pursuing state facility funding opportunities.
Engage stakeholders around Elementary site-specific priorities.
Moving Forward
Measure R was passed to provide safe, functional, and sustainable learning environments for students. While new information has required us to adjust timelines and priorities, our commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and long-term safety remains unchanged.
School construction in California is complex and highly regulated. When circumstances change, we adjust thoughtfully to protect public funds and ensure the safety of our students and staff.
We thank our community for its continued partnership as we navigate these next steps together.