MDUSD celebrates modernization grand re-openings at 3 elementary schools

MDUSD was proud to celebrate the grand re-openings of three elementary schools that have been modernized over the past 18 months - Rio Vista Elementary in Bay Point, Mt. Diablo Elementary in Clayton and Meadow Homes Elementary in Concord. During three separate ribbon cutting ceremonies followed by tours of the schools on Aug. 5, Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark, school principals, District officials and contractors spoke to community members about the significant upgrades made possible by voter-approved Measure J construction bond funding. 

These include the following highlights:

• Modernized classroom spaces including new flooring, ceilings, windows, tackboards, markerboards, etc.
• Interior and exterior paint
• Technology upgrades including updates to infrastructure, wireless access points, new emergency response systems (clock, bell, speaker systems), VoIP phone systems, security cameras and marquees
• Lighting upgrades including LED lights
• ADA accessibility upgrades
• HVAC upgrades, where needed, including the addition of air conditioning to multi-use buildings
• Flexible, modern, mobile furniture and storage
• Refreshed landscaping

Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark stressed that students are at the center of everything we do in the district and they and the school employees deserve the upgrades in classrooms that were built in the 1950s. Principals were grateful for the renovations and were excited to welcome back students on Aug. 6. "It's just fabulous," said Rio Vista Elementary Principal Janis Heden, thanking her staff for their flexibility and patience during construction. "We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and boy, is it bright!"

Students who toured the "refreshed" campuses with their parents were thrilled with the brightly colored walls, furniture and playground blacktops, as well as the modern desks, student storage "cubbies," digital wall clocks and clean, bright classrooms. Rio Vista Elementary 4th-grader Yaneli Estreda grinned and shouted happily, as she opened a cupboard and found hidden cubbies, "There's new stuff here!" Fifth-grader Kassandra Ramirez, who is new to the school, enjoyed exploring the purple-themed "rocket" campus with her mom. "It's nice," she said. "I really like it. Purple is my second favorite color!" Her mom, Maria Fernandez said, "It's beautiful. Everything is new. I see a lot of space. I think kids will enjoy it."

At Mt. Diablo Elementary, Principal Sara Harris said, as she looked around her refurbished campus, "I am beyond words. I am speechless." Students and staff were also pleased. School psychologist Katy Dumapay appreciates the new furniture in her office, including colorful seats and a curvy table. "It's nice," she said. "It definitely fits the space and it's functional, so I'm looking forward to using it." Speech therapist Janelle Capinpin, who has worked at the school for 27 years, said: "To have these changes done, it's incredible!" Alina Loza, who finished 5th grade at the school in June, said she likes the dark blue, white and turquoise painted walls. "I think the new colors are really nice," she said. Siblings Reagan (3rd grade) and River (5th grade) Orcutt were also impressed. "It looks way better," River said. "It looks so different." Reagan agreed, adding: "Everything looks way nicer."

Meadow Homes Elementary students and staff also gave glowing reviews. "We have a beautiful community and a beautiful school," said Principal Leah Dubinsky. Fourth-grader Brianna Lopez said she liked the bright purple colors and her mom Leticia Navarro added: "I like everything," as they chatted with 4th grade teacher Jasmine Arevalo in her renovated classroom. "I'm glad to see the students enjoy it, and I'm looking forward to them bringing life back to the school," Arevalo said. Second grade teacher Teresa Gutierrez, who has been teaching for 20 years, said the renovations help teachers think about what today's students need. "We have a clean slate to educate 21st Century learners and not get stuck in our old ways," she said. First grade teacher Shanna Adin said she got used to the new furniture last year after the first phase of construction and now has a better idea of how to best configure it to meet here students' needs. "I love my space," she said. "It's nice and clean." The school also has a renovated Parent meeting room and Teachers' Lounge. 

District officials said they would like to modernize more schools, but would need voters to approve another bond measure to be able to accomplish this, since the money from Measure J will be exhausted after current projects in the works are completed. Executive Director of Maintenance, Operations and Facilities Melanie Koslow will present a report on Summer Construction projects at the Aug. 13 Board meeting. 

The renovations also attracted the attention of local news reporters. Click here to an ABC news report on the renovations and click here to see an NBC report on the renovations and first day of school at Bancroft Elementary in Walnut Creek. 

Contractors that partnered with MDUSD on these projects were: 6D PMCM program, project and construction management; 19Six Architects; and Arntz Builders, Inc.