Rigid rows of desks in Manteca Unified classrooms will soon be history.

The district is spending $16 million to refresh classroom furniture from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade this summer using one-time federal COVID-19 relief fund as well as supplemental funds.

The cost doesn’t include science and music classrooms as well as high school classrooms.

The replacement will take place this summer barring any supply chain issues.

The new furniture allows small group work addressing individual needs that educators say is a necessity for today’s learner. 

It is part of the district’s strategy for  critical learning recovery, due to issues the pandemic created.

 The goal is to create an environment which encourages collaboration in safe spaces.

The California Department of Education has indicated that classrooms designed to support active learning increases student engagement on multiple measures, as compared to traditional row-by-column classroom seating.

Experts say healthy movement, color, visual aids and interactive furniture facilitates student growth while helping children feel active and alert – even while seated.

 Manteca Unified leaders indicated the flexible furniture is intended to help increase opportunities for student collaboration, allow for low-impact physical activity opportunities, and foster communication skills as well as support innovative pedagogy.

They indicated other aspects of the environment such as noise level, visual aids, color, temperature, room arrangement, access to supplies and many other variables are all important to support the learning environment. Research has shown that children who have access to healthy movement in the classroom are more likely to stay engaged and to have better attention and behavior.

Typically, classrooms furniture is replaced on an as needed  basis. The new furniture will have warranties ranging from 10 to 15 years.

The current furniture will be repurposed at the sites in empty classrooms and the excess furniture will be recycled.

There are five different classroom designs using furniture. One for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten, one for first and second grades, one for third and fourth grades, one for fifth and sixth grades and one for seventh and eighth grades.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com