District opens new ‘Tech’ wing

The Laguna Beach Unified School District has finished the new addition to its district office, on budget — and four weeks and three days early.

“We’re very happy with the outcome,” said Eric Jetta, Facilities and Grounds director.

The 1,000-square-foot addition, which will house its information technology department, was a subject of debate between the district and the city’s Design Review Board.

Board members cut into the district’s plans at the project’s first hearing July 26.

The district’s new superintendent, Robert Fraisse, was only days on the job when he met with the board, which mocked the district’s timeline — comments which generated an apology from a design board member.

Jetta was surprised to hear compliments from the district’s neighbors, who searched him out to tell him the project enhanced the community’s look.

The building is five points over required energy efficiency ratings — a clerestory provides light, and in the addition’s repair center, the overhead light is concentrated over the repair bench.

The technology director’s office has motion-sensor lighting, its own heating, ventilation and air-conditioning unit and 31%-tinted, double-paned windows.

The district saved $107,000 on its electricity bill last year using energy-saving measures.

“We spent a little more money,” Jetta said, adding it will easily recoup the costs in the future.

“I’m happy it’s over,” Jetta said. “I didn’t have a day off all summer.”