The first dramatic changes visible to the public were our resurfaced tracks and fields, as well as new press boxes and dugouts. Our track surfaces had reached the point where they had to be resurfaced NOW or completely redone.
Much work has also gone on underground to repair or replace aging infrastructure: electrical wiring, internet, plumbing and ductwork. There were a lot of surprises in this work. Demolition was carried out for new classroom buildings and pools were begun (which are now finished). We piloted new styles of classroom furniture in selected sites around the District. A lot of plates were in the air all at once--and that is still the case.
Construction Manager Eric Wasinger
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Branham two-story buildings have gone up in a way a bit confusing to the community. Due to PG&E's long delays in moving some power lines, the symmetry of their placement was not apparent for many months. These pre-cast concrete building have enabled us to stretch our bond dollars. With five comprehensive high schools, one continuation school and post-secondary program and an agriculture farm, we did not have the capacity to do design-built structures to meet all our students' needs. The buildings are fantastic inside, and with proper landscaping, they will present a handsome and imposing facade for Branham High School.
Official ribbon cutting with a wonderful address by student Board member Geetanjali Jain (holding scissors.
These are artist renderings of how we expect Branham to look with the new buildings.
Selfie of a happy teacher.
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Meanwhile, over at Del Mar, Bill Burkhead finally got his long-awaited remodeled and expanded music facilities. Now there is room to rehearse with new instrument storage rooms. There are practice rooms and a new storage system for the massive amount of musical scores that have accumulated over time.
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Often overlooked is the hidden gem of the Westmont FFA Program at The Farm (across the street from the school) Today's agriculture programs would be unrecognizable to the farmers of yesteryear: students take courses in everything from soil chemistry to the modern workings of agribusiness. The farm--and the animals--were in serious need of an upgrade. Where once there was a sea of mud during the winter rains, there are now concrete walkways, good drainage and sod, a shade cover over the arena, a new greenhouse and rabbit enclosure and more. The animals there are some of the best cared-for you will see anywhere.
Right--the mud that is no more!
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And, in August of 2019, we had the grand reception and ribbon cutting for the Leigh two-story classroom building. This structure is located in the center of the campus and is not visible from the street, but it provides bright, airy classroom spaces and some lovely views out over the hills and the campus.
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Wow! It is hard to know where to start. But it must with an expression of gratitude for living in a caring, generous cummunity possessed of vision and foresight. When we went out for the bond (Measure AA) in 2016, I could never have imagined how much physical progress we would see in just a few short years after countless hours of outreach, planning, and prioritizing. Then comes bidding and contracting and all the rest. Early on, our Business Services Department, led by CBO Nancy Pfeiffer, made the decision that we would manage the bond "in-house," thus saving millions of your tax dollars and stretching our ability to create the best facilities possible to deliver the quality of education the years ahead will demand. I will devote this space to images of what has already been achieved!
When I first ran for election in 2012, I decided to do it the old fashioned way and just get out and meet people. I wish I had worn a pedometer to know how many miles I walked over a 4-month period, but there were two clear benefits: better calves and a much deeper appreciation of my community! I thought that my 40 years of contact with parents and students, some of whom became parents of the next generation sitting before me, had taught me all I needed to know. I was wrong. Thanks to all of you who took time to speak with me and share your thoughts and hopes for our children and who continue to do so. It is a privilege and an honor to serve you and your children.
I taught biology here from 1970-80 and loved every minute. When a place has been dear to you, it is so gratifying to see it grow and thrive, rather than dwindle and decay! Westmont's library and office complex were rebuilt under the previous bond, and under this bond, the school has opened its new aquatic center and has a new basefall field, tennis courts and improved restrooms near the bowl for sports fans, as well as a new look for the entrance.
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Prospect and Del Mar were the two schools with the greatest need for a custom designed building. At Prospect, there will be a completely new kitchen/cafeteria incorporating a "student union" and multi-purpose space. This will actually be much larger than it appears here.
You can learn much more about Measure AA and our construction schedule on the CUHSD website.
New Del Mar Pool and Shade Structure Branham pool at night hosting the Leigh Swim Team
As of Feb 2020, we have 59% of our projects completed !
I am profoundly grateful to live among people who have so consistently championed education. Over the years, this community has given very generously to support our programs and improve our schools. One extremely visible example of that support can be seen on each campus in the form of the new Performing Arts Centers that opened between 2010 and 2012. When the first one opened, I knew that for the first time in my 40-year teaching career, I was standing in a state-of-the art facility dedicated to one thing only: the betterment of youth and the quality of their high school experience. These are not only fabulous performance and assembly venues, but excellent
Our old classroom furniture has been donated and shipped to Africa--seen here enjoyed by children in the Republic of Niger.
Del Mar will have a new library, student service center and admin building with a reconfigured main entrance to the campus.
Architect's drawing of the Cafeteria and Student Union soon to rise at Prospect.
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I honor the generous civic spirit of the people who make our work possible and who recognize that the benefits of an educated citizenry are beyond measure. I pledge to do all in my power to be a sound fiscal conservator of the resources provided to us.
teaching spaces for both traditional subjects and theater tech. All too often, our difficult budget decisions have left our schools looking like they are among our last public spaces to embrace the future. I have delighted in asking students, “Do you know why this exists? It is because our citizens, mostly people who have never seen or met you, voted to tax themselves to provide this gift—because they believe in you.”
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New giant Bruins logo on classroom building as of Oct. 2020
Trustees Varich, Goytia, Brown, Gallagher, and Arrasmith.
View facilities opened in 2022-23 by scrolling to the bottom of this page.
Opened in the 2022-2023 School Year
Former Del Mar teachers visit the new facilities.
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Prospect High School
This fantastic Student Union-Kitchen-Classroom and Meeting Room complex opened in December, 2023.
This space designed by Mark Finney of Sigamura-Finney Architects simply must be toured to be believed. Our kitchens (District-wide) can now turn out 30 roast chickens in 45 minutes and 20 pizzas in 13 minutes, thanks to the vision of Facilities Director Eric Wasinger and Food Services Genius Rory McCarthy
Boynton Continuation H.S.
(Named a Model School now five times in a row!)
This is the new gym and multi-purpose room for which Principal Sarah Thomas was a tireless advocate.
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There are rooms that can't be seen in this photo in the back behind the illuminated LIBRARY sign.
