MCSD Campuses Receiving Major Upgrades this Summer

Crews are hard at work this summer making significant improvements to several Merced City School District campuses. These projects align with our district’s priority to provide safe, secure facilities that support 21st century learning. Many of the sites are receiving extensive upgrades thanks to Measure M, which voters approved in 2014. Every one of our schools is benefitting from the funding in some way, and all of the work is closely monitored by a Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. These are just some of the latest highlights:

FREMONT ELEMENTARY (Funded through Measure M): This summer all permanent classrooms are being completely remodeled to create spaces that are comfortable, energy-efficient, and feature cutting edge technology. This includes new flooring, cabinets, countertops, sinks, fresh paint, and other interior finishes. Modern projector systems are being added, with large magnetic white boards and upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity. Crews are also installing new HVAC systems that distribute air evenly to keep students and staff cool in the summer and warm in the winter while also improving air quality. The front office is being relocated to a room on the S Street side of the campus (where a new parking lot and drop-off area will be constructed in the fall). The goal is to improve safety and access for students and families by moving the main entrance away from busy R Street.

WRIGHT ELEMENTARY (Funded through Measure M): Extensive upgrades to the cafeteria/multipurpose room and kitchen at Charles Wright Elementary are nearly complete. This includes a new HVAC system to replace the old evaporative coolers, which were the last remaining in the district. These improvements will make the building more comfortable for students and staff, improve the air quality, and create a quieter space for assemblies, performances, and other events. The cafeteria also has new interior finishes for posting student work and visual displays, a custom paint job, and a new projector that will be a welcome addition for a variety of purposes, including school/community meetings and even family movie nights. The stage area has been transformed into a more user-friendly theatre space with cabinets for performing arts equipment and ADA upgrades. The kitchen has also been updated with modern equipment and fresh paint.

RIVERA ELEMENTARY (Funded through developer fees): Three new modular classrooms have been constructed to accommodate increased enrollment. Sidewalks, hand-railing, fencing, electrical and low-voltage/data systems, as well as irrigation system upgrades are now being installed. This work will all be complete before the Dragons return to school next month.

HOOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL (Funded through Measure M): Work is underway to create a student commons/outdoor learning area. Crews are erecting a large metal canopy shade structure where teachers can lead outdoor activities and students can enjoy lunch and socializing. New trees are being planted, dead trees are being removed, and additional site and access road improvements are also on schedule.

TENAYA MIDDLE SCHOOL (Funded through Local Control Accountability Plan): A new innovation lab is being created for hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math learning experiences. This versatile facility will include space for video production and other collaborative projects. It will replace the old wood and metal shop, which is no longer being utilized as it was in the past due to changes in technology and the way students learn. This project is in the final planning/preparation phases, and construction will begin in the fall. Also at Tenaya, the final phase of a multi-year re-roofing project funded through Measure M is on schedule and represents a significant infrastructure improvement for the campus.

SHEEHY ELEMENTARY (Funded through Measure M): Aging student restrooms are getting a complete makeover that will result in cleaner, brighter facilities. The upgrades include new sinks, fixtures, partition panels, plumbing, mirrors, ventilation equipment, fresh paint, LED lighting, and flooring repairs. Crews are also installing efficient new electric hand dryers that will help keep the restrooms clean while minimizing operational costs from the waste and disposal of paper towels.

MUIR AND BURBANK ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (Funded through Prop. 39): The solar arrays at these sites had additional photovoltaic panels installed on them this summer. This will maximize their capacity to save energy costs and create more shade for students to enjoy. Arrays were installed at a total of 11 MCSD sites during the 17-18 school year, and the system is projected to save the district more than $7.9 million in electricity costs over the next 25 years. Prop. 39 funding also allowed the district to install efficient new HVAC systems and LED lighting at Muir, Burbank, Reyes, and Gracey. That work was completed this summer as well.

We’re excited for our students, staff, and families to see all of the improvements when they return to class soon! The first day of school is Aug. 15.