Upgrades To Alhambra, Las Juntas On Tonight's School Board Agenda - Take Our Poll

The Martinez Unified School District is putting the final touches on its plan to spend the $45 million in bond money voters approved in 2010, known as Measure K. The school board tonight will discuss a proposed list of projects that will, if approved, begin this summer.

As proposed, the first phase of the projects would include:

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District-wide:

• Installation of wireless systems and purchase of iPads and netbooks for each student;
• New telephone and alarm systems;
• New heating and cooling systems;
• The possibility of solar panels to help meet the district’s power needs.

Alhambra High School:

• Mechanical upgrades, particularly for the heating and cooling systems;
• Gymnasium and classroom expansion;
• Expansion of the Performing Arts Building to include at least one additional classroom;
• Stabilization of the hillside on which the upper track is located;
• Remodeling the Commons area;
• Adding a cover to the ceramics courtyard.

The plans also include some initial upgrades to the Vicentes/Briones campus, and some upgrades to Las Juntas Elementary, including a kitchen remodel.

Eventually, according to Danny Hilman, the district official overseeing the bond project, each school would get routine upgrades like roof resurfacing.

Much of the work, he said, will be invisible to the general public, but will be noticed by the students and staff.

“People driving by the schools won’t necessarily see a lot of the improvements,” he said, “but they comfort will be a lot better, and the district will save money.”

The school board meets tonight beginning at 7 p.m. at the district headquarters, 921 Susana Street.