Conceptual designs for Manteca’s next two schools — early education centers in Lathrop and south of the 120 Bypass in Manteca — could get started soon.
Awarding a $100,000 contract to TPH Architects to perform the work is before the Manteca Unified School District board when they meet Thursday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. at the district office, 2271 W. Louise Ave.
Planning services being provided include property assessment, educational specification development for early childhood education, program analysis, community outreach events, conceptual site plans, and meetings with staff and stakeholders to define and review project priorities.
The early education centers will be built for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten.
The South Manteca location will be on property the district owns on Tinnin Road. The exact site of the Lathrop early education center hasn’t been determined.
When the two centers are completed, they will free up space at existing elementary schools in Lathrop as well as South Manteca to accommodate additional first through eighth grade students.
The centers are designed to meet a state-mandate that by the 2025-2026 academic year any school operating a kindergarten needs to provide transitional kindergarten (TK) program for all 4 year-olds.
At the same time the state is pondering requiring full-day sessions for kindergarten students.
The TK classrooms must have the same classroom space as the state requires for kindergarten. That is 1,350 square feet versus the standard 960-square-foot classroom.
They also must have a fenced in playground area, restrooms, and such.
The state will not allow districts to use portables.
Also on Thursday’s agenda the board is being asked to:
*approve a request for a $3.9 million Career Technical Education grant from the state
The funding request includes equipment for auto shop (including, but not limited to lifts, compressors, alignment rack, tools, grinders, sandblasters); woodshop/metal shop at Manteca High equipment and materials; various competitions for CTE, ongoing professional development for teachers, and supplemental instructional supplies.
*dedicate property to the City of Manteca for street improvements along Mikesell Street as part of the Manteca High modernization project.
*award a bid for $669,949 to replace the heating and air conditioning system at the district office.
*accept work as completed for the relocation of 13 portable classrooms at Veritas, Nile Garden, and Woodward schools.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
