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High-school modernization and seismic upgrades advance; quad renovation, library containment and chiller work slated for summer
Summary
District bond work at Ashland High is in visible seismic construction, with footings and shear-wall work underway, library containment active and a gym chiller electrical installation scheduled for July/August; quad redesign will add ramps, grass and permeable pavers to address ADA and root-damage issues.
District bond administrators told the Ashland School Board on May 8 that the high-school modernization and seismic upgrades are progressing and that much of the most disruptive work will take place during the summer months.
Why it matters: The projects affect campus access and safety during the school year and are steps in a multi-year modernization program funded through voter-approved bond measures.
Project status: Steve Mitchell and Josh Whitaker reported that the modernization of the science and humanities building is completing commissioning and punch-list items; an outstanding electrical installation for the gym chiller is scheduled for July-August. Work in remote or contained areas of campus has been staged to minimize impacts on students and staff.
Seismic work is visible in the quad: Whitaker said most excavation that can occur before the summer has been completed and that footings for shear walls are in place, with carpentry underway. The district has provided containment areas in the library and other early-work areas so contractors can begin structural modifications before the full summer schedule.
Quad renovation details: Trustees asked what the redesigned quad will look like. Whitaker said the plan calls for softening grade changes to improve ADA access, adding ramps (including a ramp around the half-moon area), introducing grass areas in upper and lower quads, installing sail shades, and replacing hardscape with permeable pavers to reduce root damage to the nearby trees. The district removed failing concrete and installed decomposed granite as an interim surface; the permanent hardscape and tree-protective measures will be installed in summer once students and staff are away from campus.
Parking lot repairs: The contractors and district are soliciting quotes for asphalt repaving and sealcoating for parking areas; trustees were told three quotes were expected and the district aims to complete pothole repairs and striping in the fall.
Schedule: Construction teams are working limited hours (for example 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in some areas) during the school year and plan to expand early work in designated containment areas over the summer. The modernization team reported the program is on schedule or slightly ahead of schedule going into summer.
Next steps: Final commissioning work, gym-chiller electrical installation, continued excavation and shear-wall work, and quad hardscape and planting during the summer.
