Things are looking up when it comes to Measure A bond projects in the Manteca Unified School District.

One of the eight initial Measure A projects is completed, three are in the construction phase, two are being reviewed by the state, and two are in conceptual planning.

The $260 million bond measure was approved by voters in November 2020 for the purpose of modernizing existing school facilities.

The highest profile projects — based on height and location — are at the 58 year-old East Union High campus and the 104 year-old Manteca High campus. Two-story classroom building are under construction at both high schools.

The steel frame of the new two-story building housing 30 classrooms and a media center is complete at East Union High.

Manteca Unified Director of Facilities and Maintenance Aaron Bowers noted light gauge steel framing continues on the building going up along North Union Road.

During the summer, the north parking lot was completely removed and reconstructed with a new dedicated student drop-off and parking lot.

The auxiliary gym’s concrete masonry block is completed and the steel roof installed.

The new weight room has been framed.                              

At Manteca High, a two-story 20-classroom building is now underway along Mikesell Street.

Steel fabrication and installation is complete while work on light gauge steel framing continues. HVAC units have also been installed.

Bowers said work so far marks significant improvement.

However, the “critical path for the project currently revolves around PG&E’s ongoing work along Mikesell.”

The wood framing on the new woodshop building is close to being completed.

This summer, the contracting firm of CT Brayton & Sons of Escalon completed the utility support needed for continued campus operations when the second increment of the current work phase starts. That involves the construction of a 30-classroom, two-story building along Garfield Avenue complete with a media center.

The work at New Haven School on North Austin Road is on schedule.

The first phase will construct a new administration building and an eight-classroom building.

This summer, two classrooms and the teacher’s lounge was removed.

The staff parking lot and the front parking lot with student drop-off has been completely renovated.

The project will continue through the school yar with completion targeted for July 2025.

The Sequoia School renovation has been completed.

It involved reconstructing the west play courts, replacing playgrounds, creating outdoor learning environments, and installing a running track and fitness stations.

The master plan projects at Brock Elliott and Joshua Cowell schools are now being reviewed by the State Architect’s Office.

Construction of both projects will start in the spring.

They will include modernization of the existing campus such as fire and paging system replacement, asphalt replacement, new multipurpose rooms, and renovations to the libraries and respective administration offices.

Conceptual planning for bond work at August Knodt School and Stella Brockman School have started.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com