Major efforts are underway by the Ripon Unified School District to study and then develop a Facilities Master Plan that will guide the district through the next 5-10 years as the housing resurgence impacts the district.

Recent developments approved both within the City of Ripon and in the northern portion of the district that includes parts of the City of Manteca will affect Ripon schools. 

In order to be better prepared to address future educational needs, the school district recently interviewed proposals from 12 firms that would like to assist with that process. 

Two finalists were interviewed on Aug. 27-28 and a recommendation will be presented to the school board for providing consulting services at an upcoming board meeting.

A key part for the development of the Facilities Master Plan is scheduled to be studied and presented to the board for approval in late spring calls for the creation of a FMP Task Force.

There will be school and community membership as well as membership from other governmental agencies.

Recently, 20 school and community members volunteered and applied to serve on this task force.  There are still additional seats to be filled in the areas of teacher (1), parent (1), community organizations (2), a member of the Ag advisory board (1), high school students (2), school related organizations (4), and three from local governmental agencies in Ripon or Manteca.

If you are willing to work on this project over the next 7-8 months, your help would be appreciated.

Members will work on a variety of projects including educational options, planning for growth, looking at optimum school sizes in the future, and making recommendations on how the district shall proceed.

Applications may be obtained on line at riponusd.net or by calling Angelica Bogetti, administrative assistant to Superintendent Bill Draa at 209-599-2131.

The deadline has been extended until Friday, Sept. 27, at 4 p.m.