Construction underway on Measure Y school improvement projects

Carlos Guerrero

June 21

As summer school programs begin and preparations for the opening of next school year are in full swing, progress continues at Woodland Joint Unified School District as construction kicked off this month on Measure Y school improvement projects.

Woodland voters passed Measure Y in 2020 to improve schools and facilities. At the time, schools were shut down due to the pandemic. Undeterred, the district made strides in recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, finalizing Measure Y designs, approving construction plans, and building partnerships to improve school facilities.

The efforts are now coming to fruition.

This month, the district broke ground on improvement projects at five schools, including a project to install 14 new, much-needed HVAC units at Woodland High School.

"We deeply appreciate our Woodland community for investing in our students and schools," stated Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin. "The $44 million Measure Y funds will make our schools safer, more secure, and more inviting while building even more community pride in our schools. We're so excited for students and families to return in the fall and see their new improved schools."

School improvements include:

Security upgrades like new gates, fencing, and classroom door locks
Revitalizing our schools with fresh paint
Improving access points for safely picking up and dropping off students
Improving ADA accessibility (Americans with Disability Act)

Construction is underway on Beamer, Dingle and Gibson elementary schools and Cache Creek High School, with other schools to be upgraded in future phases.

Workers use heavy machinery at Gibson Elementary School on June 17, as part of Measure Y school improvements this summer. (Courtesy)

Signs are posted at schools where construction is already underway, including Dingle Elementary School. (Courtesy)

While Measure Y funds are helping to improve school safety, there are more improvements identified by the district for schools and facilities.

"We have identified over $600 million in school facility improvement needs," stated WJUSD Board of Trustees President Rogelio Villagrana. "The $44 million in Measure Y funds is a good start toward addressing our school improvement needs and we're beginning by improving safety. Thank you to Woodland voters for supporting our students and community."