Measure I Bond Highlights

Introduction

In 2014, Alameda voters approved Measure I, a $179.5 million facilities bond designed to update and improve AUSD's facilities.

The bond was based on the 2014 Facilities Master Plan, a “living document” developed after detailed professional inspections were done on all AUSD facilities and more than 60 school site and community meetings were held. The plan identified about $590 million worth of renovations, modernizations, and repairs needed across AUSD facilities.

In 2015, the Board of Education approved a bond program schedule that focused on secondary schools to improve facilities for as many students as possible. Approximately $90M of the bond funds were set aside for Alameda High School (AHS) and Encinal Jr & Sr High School (EJSHS); the rest was allocated to other school sites.

While AHS and EJSHS were the largest projects, a strong focus of the work at other schools was updating outdated infrastructure (including HVAC systems, roofing, technology, electricity, classrooms, and offices) and improving safety and security. These projects were crucial to bringing schools up to 21st-century education standards. Every project approved by the board was completed on time and under budget; in many cases we were able to add elements to the projects that hadn't been included in the original plans.

We are deeply grateful to the Alameda community for helping us modernize and improve our facilities to better serve our students and staff.

A Focus on Safety and Security

In the course of developing the Facilities Master Plan, QKA, district staff, and the Alameda Police Department met multiple times to develop updated Safety and Security Standards for AUSD, including for fences, gates, points of entry, door locks, windows, alarm systems, lighting, communications, and disaster preparedness.

AUSD has been steadily implementing these standards over the last 5 years as it works on its facilities. Every school that was worked on during Measure I, for instance, received new clock, bell, and PA system upgrades, and state-of-the-art door locks; many also received new fencing, gates, and/or new entryways, and doorlocks. This work will continue with our new Measure B Bond.

HISTORIC ALAMEDA HIGH SCHOOL

Classrooms in the nearly 100-year old Historic Alameda High School had sat unused for more than 40 years due to several professional reports identifying significant seismic vulnerabilities in the buildings. The resulting restoration and modernization brought this iconic campus back to life not only as a learning center but as a community asset.

1920s Architecture, 21st-Century Classrooms

The 100,000 square-foot Historic Alameda High School, which was constructed in 1924, is a registered Historical Landmark. The buildings served as classrooms for more than 50 years. Much of the high school moved to a new campus in 1978, however, and in subsequent years the historic campus served as the District Office, the Alameda Adult School, and the Alameda Free Library. Unfortunately, District Office also had to move out in 2012 due to significant seismic safety issues, and the building stood empty for several years.

The goal of the project was to restore and preserve the 1920s architecture while creating 21st-century learning environments. The restoration and modernization project included:

• Historic interior and exterior restoration, including preserving main lobby to resemble the original reception area
• 37 state-of-the-art classrooms, 11 new science labs, and technology to provide 21st century learning environments
• Complete seismic retrofitting, installation of new fire sprinkler and alarm/PA systems, updating of structural, mechanical and electrical systems for functionality and efficiency – with minimal visual impact
• Historic window restoration and reuse of elements such as window frames, trim and molding
• New landscaping and seating areas along Central Avenue, as well as historic repair to exterior columns and reliefs, terrazzo entry stairs, bronze and copper detailing and numerous exterior decorative stamped metal panels
• Outdoor learning spaces

SEISMIC SAFETY

RESTORED EXTERIOR

MODERN INTERIORS

LANDSCAPING

To stabilize the sandy soil beneath HAHS, engineers injected grout in 6000 different spots on the site and then drilled corkscrew-shaped helical piles 30 feet into the ground to anchor the buildings to more stable ground. To shore up the buildings, workers placed enormous steel braces along the walls on all three floors. They also positioned “expansion joists” between the buildings so they could move during an earthquake without hitting each other.

Most of the facility’s 250 historic windows were repaired, and, as per an agreement with the Alameda Historical Society, the original wooden sills and sashes were preserved. In addition, columns, terrazzo stairs, and bronze and copper detailing outside the building were repaired, and the entire building was painted to match the original colors.

After removing all the interior walls and floors, construction workers built classrooms that meet current size requirements and also both preserve the original trim and cabinetry and provide up-to-date technology, acoustic panels, and furniture. The 11 new science classrooms include space for both teaching and laboratory work. Skylights on the third floor were also restored and the central lobby was completely restored.

New landscaping — including drought-tolerant plants, a line of trees to match others on Central Avenue, and a bio-swale to help absorb stormwater runoff — was installed in front of the building, along with an outdoor learning space and seating along the front of the building. The historic plaques in the front of the building that lie on top of time capsules from each graduating class were removed, refurbished, and put back in place.

Transforming an Out-Dated Campus

Located along the shore of the San Francisco Bay, Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School’s (EJSHS) classroom buildings and playing fields have long featured gorgeous views of water and sky. Since the school was built in 1950, however, the buildings had become worn, critical infrastructure was nearing the end of their service life, classroom space had become cramped and outdated, and the grounds were marred by shabby portables, pitted blacktop areas, and a paucity of much-needed gathering spaces.

The 152,00 square updated space to which EJSHS staff and students returned in 2021 was something entirely different, a gleaming 21st-century learning environment that includes:

• A new classroom building overlooking the Bay, complete with a Maker Space, natural light, and modular furniture.
• Fully modernized 200, 300, and Science Buildings
• New building exteriors that include expanded windows
to let in more natural light
• Updated science classrooms
• Student gathering areas
• New landscaping
• Outdoor learning spaces
• Outdoor basketball courts
• Upgraded fire alarms, PA systems, phones, clocks, and campus power systems

The renovation and new construction at EJSHS maintains the campus’ mid-century modern features, including exposed steel and walls of windows, while updating the its spaces to create next generation opportunities for students and staff alike.

OUTDOOR AREAS

BUILDING 200

NEW CLASSROOM BUILDING

SCIENCE CLASSROOMS

The front-facing 200 building received new walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as new windows that would let in more natural light. Classrooms were enlarged to modern standards and provided with modular furniture that can be moved to support lesson plans, as well as whiteboards and new presentation technology.

The new 22,650 square foot, two-story "900 Wing" overlooks San Francisco Bay and holds five general classrooms with breakout spaces, four science classrooms, a 2000 square foot Maker Space with retractable power cords, copious cabinet space, a roll-up garage door, and a polished concrete floor. It takes the place of what used to be an auto shop that was no longer needed for Encinal's program of instruction.

A key feature of the EJSHS project was the elimination of old portables in front of the campus. A new, expansive quad area with stone benches, walkways, and drought-tolerant plantings now provides a beautiful and inviting sense of entry and supports large gatherings, classroom meetings, and quiet study. The front entry was also re-paved and the time capsule plaques all removed, refurbished, and replaced.

As part of the modernization project, EJSHS received 10 state-of-the-art science classrooms, each of which is large enough to allow for both classroom instruction and lab work, and provides ample wooden cabinet space, natural light and ventilation. The new classrooms support students interested in pursuing further education and careers in fields involving biology, chemistry, and physics.