District proposes converting El Sierra stage, library nooks to classroom spaces to house dual-language program

District administrators presented a plan March 9 to reconfigure El Sierra's open-concept spaces to create additional classroom- and small-group instructional spaces and to establish a permanent home for the dual-language program.

Assistant administrator Sissel explained the district's rationale: dual-language enrollment has stabilized and is projected to support a continuing two-way program; building a permanent arrangement at El Sierra would create 18 classroom-sized spaces plus a dedicated art/music room when the district reaches projected capacity in future years. "One of the advantages here is that we would not necessarily need to begin using all of those spaces next year," Sissel said, framing the change as a forward-looking move to achieve parity across elementary schools.

Proposed work would include replacing a movable stage partition with a permanent, acoustically improved wall and running water where needed to make the stage suitable for art/music, enclosing library nook small-group spaces with floor-to-ceiling walls and doors, and modest reconfiguration of an addition to create up to four classroom-sized spaces. Administration estimated a conservative planning cost of about $150,000, subject to final drawings and bids.

Board members emphasized communication with staff and families and warned against rushing: the administration said the April 13 meeting is the practical deadline to approve the scope if the work is to occur during this summer's construction window, because trades and mobilization are already scheduled for phase 3.

What happens next: Administration will finalize drawings, firm up costs with architects and construction managers and return with a full recommendation and budget for board action in April. The board asked administration to share interim updates with trustees before the April vote to ensure adequate time for questions and feedback.