Striving to improve the communication between school and community, the Escalon Unified School District is once again offering a survey on the district website.

“Last year we had over 100 people that responded,” said Escalon Unified School District Superintendent Ron Costa. “The goal is improving our communication, among staff and the community.”

Costa said with a number of projects coming up at the school sites and the always-changing educational landscape, officials want to make sure the community residents stay up to date and informed. He added that last year’s survey produced some good suggestions, ideas they were able to implement to provide a more open line of communication.

“We appreciate the support of the community,” Costa added, noting that this year they will seek input on the changes made and encourage additional suggestions.

The survey can be accessed on the district website at escalonusd.org through Wednesday, May 10.

“The input from this survey will help guide Escalon’s efforts to improve their communication practices and ensure that everyone has the information they need to help our students and community succeed,” Costa said. “The district thanks everyone for taking the time to share your thoughts.”

Among the major projects coming up for the district, a renovation and improvements at the main (‘new’) gym at the high school, which is scheduled to start later this month.

“The contract was approved on April 25,” Costa said of the project receiving final approval from the school board at that Tuesday night session. “Work is expected to start the middle of May, go throughout the summer and likely into the beginning of the (2017-18) school year.”

Local contractor C.T. Brayton and Sons will serve as the lead on the project, which will include installation of air conditioning in the gym, new bleachers, upgrades in the locker rooms, resurfacing of the floor, and modernization in the lobby area, including replacing the existing trophy cases with a ‘window wall’ so those visiting the snack bar can still see what is going on with the competition inside the gym.

The project will also include improvements to the music wing with classroom and bathroom upgrades. Work is being done under the auspices of the 2012 school bond approved by district voters.