Tehachapi Unified reviews $125 million facilities master plan; board discusses bonds, TK and roof priorities

Tehachapi Unified School District trustees on Oct. 25 received a presentation from Teeter Architects on a draft facilities master plan that lays out preliminary project lists and estimated costs totaling about $125,000,000 and asks the board to consider an implementation strategy, including local bonding and state funding applications.

The plan, presented by Robert Thornton, principal architect for Teeter, summarizes facility assessments, community and facility-advisory-committee input and demographic projections. Thornton told the board the district’s elementary enrollment shows a temporary increase tied to transitional kindergarten (TK) and that the middle and high school populations are projected to decline modestly. “I would really encourage you as you as we finalize the master plan that we look at the importance of updating it as we go along,” Thornton said.

Why it matters: The draft groups needs into modernization, new construction and maintenance. Priority items flagged by the consultants and community input include additional TK and kindergarten classrooms and age‑appropriate restrooms and playgrounds; a high‑school performing‑arts center and campus stadium; roof replacements (identified as a multi‑million‑dollar item); HVAC replacement or conversion from a central plant to stand‑alone units; and removal or replacement of dilapidated portable buildings. The plan also calls for improved pick‑up/drop‑off circulation and additional staff and health office space at several elementary sites.

Key findings and local details - Capacity and TK: The consultant and the district’s…