School district begins $40 million in improvement projects

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District has several improvement projects going on this summer at campuses, the district office and the bus yard, unhindered by the presence of students, staff or faculty.

“We are really excited to bring these updates to students,” said district Superintendent Socorro Sheils. “Their school experiences will be enhanced by these changes and additions.”

The bond-funded projects range in cost from $700,000 to $17,000 and include modernization of campuses, gathering areas, classrooms, sports fields, gymnasiums and other facilities. Completion dates for the projects range from this summer to the summer of 2021.

The Sonoma Valley High School track and field modernization, which will cost the district $17 million, is scheduled to begin construction at some point over the summer. All the sports fields will be replaced; some of the new fields drew controversy this year for the plan to use artificial turf. The new fields will include lighting so that the school will be able to play night games and home games, something not currently available to students.

The re-worked outdoor space will allow the school to hold large gatherings, once the ban on such events due to the coronavirus pandemic is lifted. The timeline for completion is set for 2021.

The classrooms that hold the culinary, agriculture and wood shop elective courses at the high school will be rebuilt and modernized to 21st century standards at a cost of $4.75 million and a completion date of winter this year.

El Verano Elementary School will get a new multipurpose room that will allow for student and staff gatherings. The $8.5 million modernization of the campus includes improved lunch and performance facilities.

The exterior of Creekside High School will be improved and the interior common area will allow for better instruction and flow. The cost is $700,000 and work is expected to be completed this summer.

Modernized boys and girls locker rooms, and a renewed gym floor with a dance and drama performance practice space, will update the Adele Harrison Middle School. The work is scheduled to be complete by spring 2021 at a cost of $3.5 million.

A $5 million project to be completed this year at Sonoma Charter School includes replacing all the old portable classrooms with modern classroom buildings that will hold 21st century furniture and technology.

Projects that will not be paid for with bond money and will begin next month include providing power back-up capabilities at Altimira Middle School, Flowery and Dunbar elementary schools and the district office as these are the locations mostly likely to lose power during PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs.

Microgrids will be installed at Altimira, the district office and the bus yard to support the electric buses.

Email Anne at anne.ernst@sonomanews.com.