Completed early and under budget, the first phase of modernization work for the Escalon Unified School District is ready for public inspection.
Members of the Bond Oversight Committee have released their annual report, which shows the initial work – done at Escalon High School – came in under the original estimates. Voters approved a $19.5 million bond issue (Measure B) in November 2012 to finance needed modernization at all school sites, and the first phase included multiple projects at the high school. Construction costs were roughly $6.5 million for the first phase. Included in the project was modernization of 22 classrooms, eight restrooms, hallway improvements, storage room upgrades, fencing, and improving site accessibility. All the work will be on display during a Wednesday, March 26 Open House at the high school, scheduled for 6 p.m.
Oversight committee members and school district officials are inviting the public in to tour the new, modernized facilities.
According to the annual report from the committee, which is available in the district office on Yosemite Avenue and also at individual school sites throughout the district, they are pleased that the district was able to get the “most bang for our buck” to bring the project in under budget.
Committee members also commended the district employees, students and staff for their “patience and flexibility” while the work was being done at the high school, which often required moving of classrooms and closing off of some portions of the campus.
C.T. Brayton Construction was the lead agency, working with Teter Architects on the high school modernization.
Bond Oversight Committee members are charged with making sure the project funds are spent diligently and that the necessary work is done at all sites. The school district’s independent auditor recently released a positive performance and financial audit of the bond funds for the second straight year, officials said.
Damien Caton serves as the committee chair, Pat Brown is vice chair. Other members are Walt Murken, Shawn Strohman, Janai Stanton and Melanie McPherrin.
