Several construction and modernization projects are ramping up at campuses throughout the Merced City School District now that the school year has come to an end. These improvement projects are largely funded through Measure M, which voters approved in 2014.
At Chenoweth Elementary, crews are building a new parking lot off Teak Avenue to improve access and safety during drop off and pick up times. The work will also include two new basketball courts for school and community use, new playground equipment, new water efficient landscape and irrigation, plus security gates and fencing. In addition, modern upgrades will be made to aging classrooms, restrooms, HVAC systems, and the fire alarm system.
At Burbank Elementary, work is underway to create a new safer parking lot off Alexander Avenue, an improved bus loading zone, and an upgraded blacktop play area with basketball, volleyball, and tether ball courts.
Infrastructure improvements are also taking place at Hoover Middle School, which was built in 1950. Decades old heating, ventilating, and cooling equipment is being removed and replaced with efficient new HVAC units. Several restrooms are also being remodeled.
Site work is also getting underway for the new pre-school at Rivera Elementary School. This project is scheduled to be complete by the fall. It will put the final touches on the district’s newest elementary school, which opened to kindergarten through sixth grade students in 2015.
A districtwide safety and security camera system project is also moving closer to completion. It will provide surveillance cameras for every school and support facility to help ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
Other notable work includes:
- A new metal roofing system for the Tenaya Middle School gymnasium and locker rooms
- A new metal roofing system for 17 classrooms, the multi-use/kitchen facility and the administration and student services center at Cruickshank Middle School
- A new roof for the original John Muir Elementary classroom wing, which was built in 1938