PUSD begins facilities master plan anew
In June of 2018, the Paradise Unified School District passed a Facilities Master Plan that would upgrade the district’s infrastructure. The district split that plan into three priorities.
The funding for that $91 million plan was to come from a bond that the voters approved on Nov. 6, 2018. But two days later, the Camp Fire hit Paradise, Concow, and parts of Magalia and Butte Creek Canyon changing everything.
The district lost four schools that day and decided to delay the implementation of the bond collection in order to give those looking to rebuild some time to do that.
On Monday district officials began the process of creating a new Facilities Master Plan to address the post-Camp Fire needs of the district when they met with their architect, BCA Architects on new ideas.
Nothing has been formalized yet but once staff has a plan they will submit it to the community and board for review. The new plan address the volume of buildings destroyed but the format will be roughly like the last one.
Superintendent Tom Taylor said he’s excited to hear what the public thinks and wants.
Among the potential ideas is to build a brand new Ridgeview High School, right across the street from the existing Paradise High School. In fact, Phase 1 upgrades would be built from insurance money — from the Camp Fire.
In addition to the new gym, where work has already started, ideas include softball field repairs (which should begin soon), repairs to the track and septic system.
There’s also a potential for a new tennis court next to the new gym, new parking where the tennis courts on Maxwell now reside. The district could take the present gym and turn that into food service which would then allow them to build a two-story classroom/Administration building where the classroom/food service now sits.
The proposal also says that in part B of Phase 1, PUSD would build a new CTE facility on campus. Phase 2 at PHS would include modernizing Om Wraith Field, with new concessions. The district would also demolish the old CTE building and construct a new Performing Arts Center.
In total, if the BCA plans are adopted, the district would spend some $56.9 million at PHS.
The high school isn’t the only school PUSD will address — in fact, BCA proposes $140 million in upgrades — almost $50 million more than voters had approved two years ago. However, about $58 million of that will be funded by insurance proceeds.
Cedarwood
Phase 1 work there includes a new playground, campus-wide fencing, and a paint job. Phase 2 will be demolition of the portables and construction of a new classroom wing and a STEAM Lab.
Pine Ridge
Phase 1 work there Campuswide fencing, and a paint job. Phase 2 there will also include demolition of the portables and construction of a new classroom wing and a STEAM Lab.
Ponderosa Elementary
Phase 1 work include fire repairs, new gas piping, campuswide fencing, a paint job and modernizing classrooms for temporary administration. Phase 2 there will include the building of a new multi-purpose room and admin building and the modernization of classrooms and a STEAM Lab.
Paradise Elementary
Phase 1 work there will be debris removal, preservation of the site for future growth and building a new M&O site with food services and offices. Phase 2 there is the surplus Pearson Center site.
Paradise Intermediate
Phase 1 work there will be debris removal, paint job, demolition of the portables and campuswide fencing. Phase 2 there would be a modernization of classrooms and a STEAM Lab.