Ripon High could end up with a two-story classroom building to replace a number of aging portables as well as build a fifth elementary school.
Those are two aspects of the districtwide masterplan now being compiled to identify pressing facility modernization and education space needs.
The school board on Monday was updated on the progress on the facility master plan being fashioned by Caldwell Flowers Winters, Inc.
When completed, it will serve as a guide for future school facilities modernization and construction programs.
A master plan is also required by the state to qualify for Proposition 2 funding grants to modernize existing schools.
Preliminary meetings have already been conducted with district staff to establish an overall vision for the plan and to identify needs at school sites.
Also, visits have been conducted to each school site to evaluate the overall condition of facilities. That information was used to create a preliminary list of projects for the district to review.
The preparation of educational specifications, and cost estimating for projects are in progress.
A master budget and phasing schedule is being created.
The following is a list of all proposed improvements so far. It is preliminary and subject to change.
Proposed work at Ripon High is as follows:
*Construct a new two-story classroom building to replacing some portables.
*Replace fire alarm system
*Repair roof at North Gym
*Modernize learning spaces
*Modernize locker rooms
*Modernize and install HVAC at Abeyta/Horton Gym
*Renovate tennis courts
*Renovate/reconstruct swimming pool
*Upgrade electrical and data capacity
Proposed work at Ripona Elementary is as follows:
*Modernize existing classrooms
*Repair and replace roofs
*Provide additional parking
*Upgrade electrical/data capacity
Proposed work as Ripon Elementary is as follows:
*Modernize existing classrooms
*Reconstruct classroom building
*Renovate restrooms
*Repair and replace roofs
*Enhance electrical/data capacity
*Upgrade outdoor spaces
Proposed work at Park View Elementary is as follows:
*Modernize restrooms
*Upgrade building exteriors
*Upgrade electrical/data capacity
Proposed work at Weston Elementary is as follows:
*Upgrade electrical/data capability.
Proposed work at Colony Oak is as follows:
*Construct two TK/K classrooms
*Provide shade structure for outdoor stage
*Upgrade electrical/data capacity
*Proposed work at Harvest High is as follows:
*Construct one classroom
*Provide additional support space
Proposed districtwide projects are as follows:
*Construct a new K-8 elementary school.
*Upgrade furniture and fixtures.
The new elementary school is expected to be funded with developer mitigation fees and state aid.
The rest of the projects could potentially tap into four funding sources.
*The Ripon Unified currently has modernization and new construction eligibility, and may qualify to receive grants from the state, subject to the availability of local matching funds
*The district has some funds on hand, primarily from state grants received to reimburse the district for the reconstruction of Weston and Colony Oak schools
*An election to approve a new general obligation bond program may be placed on a future ballot
*Based on the Level 2 Developer Fee study completed in 2025, the district is permitted to levy a fee of $5.59 per square foot on new homes to be built in the district.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
