Ohlone Elementary School Construction Could Begin in 2011

After 31 years in portable classrooms, Ohlone Elementary School will finally get permanent digs.

Bill Savidge, engineering officer for West Contra Costa Unified School District, said plans for the new campus are in the review and approval process at the state architect's office.

He hopes to begin the construction in June 2011. "It is a complex little project that will take two and a half to three years," he said.

The estimated cost for the entire project, funded by Measure J school bond money, is $29 million, and will take place in three distinct phases:

• The first phase is a new building for first- and second-grade classrooms, along with an administration office and library. It will be built on the existing playground and is expected to take 16 months.
• Phase two entails demolishing all of the existing buildings, except for the multi-purpose building.
• In the third phase, the multi-purpose building will be renovated, and new kindergarten and daycare facilities will be built.

During demolition and construction, students will be moved to a temporary housing campus set up on site.

In June 2010 another bond passed, Measure D, which identified Hercules Middle High as a future project site.