The last major modernization effort at Manteca High requiring significant demolition of campus buildings happened 56  years ago.

It was when the beloved Tower, adjoining auditorium, and classrooms came down on Oct. 3, 1969.

But instead of cooperating with the wrecking crew, the Tower wouldn’t go easy.

The state had declared the 48 year-old structure built in 1921 unsafe. The school board determined it wasn’t cost effective to remodel and re-enforce the Tower to pass earthquake standards for schools. 

The tower proved tough to demolish.

Crews snapped two cables and then were unsuccessful trying to knock it down with a massive Caterpillar tractor.

Finally they had to bring in a wrecking ball.

The demolition of classroom wings dating back to the 1947 at Manteca High on Monday hit a snag almost right from the start when a natural gas pipeline was struck.

Work will continue on razing the structures to make way for a two-story building with 32 classrooms and a media center along Sherman Avenue, once the gas line issue is addressed.

The work on the replacement structures is expected to be completed in 2027.

The students displaced will be taking classes in the new two-story, 22-classroom building along Miksell Street that will be ready for use when the new school year starts in August.

In addition, a number of portables no longer needed at East Union High classroom next school year due to the targeted completion of the two-story classroom structure along Union Road are being temporarily located at the Manteca High campus.

The work is being done with proceeds from the $260 million Measure A bond voters passed in November 2020.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email; dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com