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El Rancho trustees hear modernization progress at El Rancho High, plan May ribbon-cutting
Summary
Kaya Services and district staff updated the board on bond-funded modernization at El Rancho High and multiple elementary sites, including start of music-room demo, new gym flooring and a two-story science building; trustees pressed for safety measures, timelines and acknowledgment of bond funding.
Kaya Services project executives and district staff on Tuesday told El Rancho Unified School District trustees that multiple bond-funded modernization projects are underway and on track for phased turnovers, with a ribbon-cutting and science-building groundbreaking planned for May.
Armando Ortega, a project executive for Kaya, outlined seven high-school projects, including a new restroom/concession building near the stadium, an interior modernization of the music classroom with new HVAC and ceiling panels, a main-gym renovation with new flooring and power-operated backboards, frontage beautification, a two-story science building and a pool shade structure. "No project is easy," Ortega said, adding that the construction teams were "very proud to present" visible progress such as underground plumbing and foundation work.
Onel Youssef, the project manager running the high-school scope, said crews started demolition and HVAC work in the music room this week and delivered new bleachers. "We actually just got the new bleachers delivered this morning," he said, noting the mezzanine bleachers will be light-sanded and coated, with new wheels and motors installed to improve operation.
Crystal Lumen, the site project manager for the district's multipurpose-room (NPR) work, described phase-two priorities at several elementary sites and emphasized child safety during remaining tech installations. "We're going to place a temporary barrier. We also have staff making sure that we're coordinating with each site," she said, adding that any work that could affect student areas will be barricaded and scheduled when students are not present.
Trustees pressed for firm completion dates and safeguards. Trustee Contreras asked for an estimated date for the restroom project; Youssef said the current plan targets July. Trustees also pressed on dust-control, accessibility and how restricted bond dollars would be acknowledged; district staff said large signs and banners crediting bond funding have been placed and more banners are being produced to inform the community.
The board expressed appreciation for district and contractor coordination. Trustee Saavedra called the renderings and site videos "phenomenal," and Trustee Mejia suggested exploring opportunities to include historical or alumni imagery near new trophy cases to build student pride.
District and Kaya staff said the next public update will include a May 20 ribbon-cutting and the science-building groundbreaking. The board did not take formal action on the projects at this meeting but approved related consent items earlier in the agenda.
