Construction Update
Where We Are Today
Our Construction Journey
Under Financial Hardship, the plan for the modernization project was to modernize the main building into three larger classrooms (intended to house K, 1, 2) as well as house administration offices (secretary office and principal office).
The new construction project included a multipurpose building that would include a modern cafeteria as well as a space to play basketball and other indoor sports. Additionally, the plans included six new classrooms.
Unfortunately, the state funding was exhausted in late 2012; that meant Finanical Hardship projects could not move forward until a school facilities bond was placed on a ballot AND passed by California voters. Fortunately, in November 2016, Californians passed Proposition 51, a statewide school bond measure that authorized $7 billion in general obligation bonds for the construction and modernization of public school facilities.
Passage of Prop 51 put funding back in the "pot" to fund projects like ours. That was the good news. But there was bad news to follow. It is important to note that building codes are updated every three years to comply with new regulations and ADA requirements. As our projects sat for over four years to be funded, they became outdated regarding building codes. While we had done everything that was expected during this process, construction costs escalated and we were forced to re-apply for these projects.
Fast forward to 2018. Our projects were now over 8 years old from the original application date of 2010. We worked hard to meet state deadlines under the new guidelines passed with Prop 51 and were able to go under contract for both the modernization and new construction projects with Chico-based United Building Contractors. Presently, the modernization project is DSA-approved (Division of the State Architect) and the new construction project is currently in process for DSA approval. The alignment of the two projects is a cost-saving move for the district as it allows us to pay one construction company for two projects at the same time.
Submitted New Construction Plans
Additionally, due to the history of the projects that I outlined above, we have had to make significant changes to the original plans that include moving the multipurpose building from the northwest corner of the campus to south of the current playground. This was done as concern was raised that the district would not have the funds to build a new football field that was originally going to move to the east part of the campus - running north and south along the far east boundary of campus where the current bus barn and garden are. Moving the new building and classrooms to the location as displayed below will leave our current football field intact and no need for district funds to be spent on the creation of a new football field as those types of upgrades are not state-funded.
Multipurpose Building
Modernization Project
In Closing
The following is an estimate of the timeline that was shared with me via our architect firm:
October 2019: Start of construction
October 2019 - January 2020: Construction of building pads, site prep, and site utilities
February 2020: Delivery of modular buildings
April - June 2020: Work at existing building
June 2020: Substantial completion
August 2020: Closeout/completion
I am a bit hesitant sharing the above timeline as it seems like a very quick turnaround considering the amount of work that needs to be done. Time will tell and we will continue to use our Patience Tool as we embark on this journey together.
Based on the above timeline, our 2020-21 school calendar may not be impacted, however, I will be recommending two calendars to the board this winter - a normal school calendar as well as a construction calendar that will include a later start date.
We appreciate your patience through this process and encourage you to always ask questions you might have regarding school construction. I will do my best to answer them.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Baker