Merced campuses get new look for new school year

It’s incredible to see the transformations that have taken place at Merced City School District campuses in just a matter of months, and we’re excited for students to enjoy all of the upgrades when they return to class Monday.

I think our director of facilities said it best recently when he explained that children notice the investment adults make in their education, and it encourages them to invest as well. Thanks to voter-approved Measure M funds, every one of our 18 schools has received some improvements, from fresh carpet and paint to modern projector systems and added surveillance cameras.

A few also are undergoing major renovations. The work includes efficient new HVAC systems, remodeled restrooms, new play areas and parking lots. Crews have been working six days a week to make as much progress as possible, but some projects will continue during the school year, so we want to make sure students, parents and other residents know what to expect.

Hoover Middle School is one of three campuses that has had the most extensive work underway this summer. The air conditioning system at the 66-year-old school has been there since 1985, and it was occasionally known to fail on days with triple-digit temperatures.

So far, classrooms on the front wing have been completely remodeled with quiet new air conditioning units that provide a cool, comfortable environment for students and staff. New projectors, large magnetic marker boards and extra internet connections also have been added to those classrooms to support 21st-century learning.

The main student restrooms on the second wing of the school have been remodeled, and a new storm-drain system, roofing and rain gutters have been installed to fix flooding issues.

The next phase of this project will modernize six more classrooms by Thanksgiving, and five more are scheduled to be complete by the end of January. That will require some moving during the school year, but plans are in place to minimize the impact on students.

If you ever drive along Alexander Avenue, you’ve likely seen the construction underway at Burbank Elementary School this summer.

Crews have added a large new parking lot with a student drop-off/pick-up zone that’s designed to improve safety and relieve congestion along that busy street. There’s also a separate bus parking zone in front of the school.

But wait, there’s more!

Three new basketball and volleyball courts nearly are complete, and a block wall is being constructed to enclose a new refrigerator/freezer/dry goods unit that has replaced the loud, outdated appliances housed in the multipurpose room. That will not only help our nutrition services staff, but also make assemblies and lunch time more enjoyable. All of those final touches are scheduled to be complete by mid-September.

Chenoweth Elementary School also has been transformed over the summer break.

Twelve classrooms have been completely remodeled with new air conditioning, lighting, ceilings, walls and paint. Those rooms also have new magnetic marker boards and special projectors to help make lessons more engaging. Six more classrooms will get the same treatment next summer.

Student restrooms in the primary grade area have been improved with new fixtures, floors and wall tiles. New playground equipment and two new basketball courts will be ready in September, and water-efficient landscaping and irrigation also will be added to the campus in the coming weeks. A new parking lot and a drop-off lane along Teak Avenue are scheduled to open during the first week of October. Until then, buses will use the nearby Professional Development Center parking lot to minimize congestion.

We know it may take some time to adjust to all of the changes, so we’re asking residents to please drive slowly and carefully around all school campuses. With your help, we can continue to improve safety while providing students with the best opportunities for success.

This story was originally published August 12, 2016 at 1:47 PM with the headline "Merced campuses get new look for new school year."