Designing the Armory Together

Why is the District focused on Career Technical Education (CTE) at this site? In 2016, voters approved Measure I, which funded the acquisition of the Armory for "educational purposes, including career technical education." Legally, CTE is not optional; it is required by the bond language approved by the voters.

Can the site be used for anything else? Yes. While CTE must be a core component, we can include other "educational purposes." This is why we are asking for your input on secondary uses, such as workforce housing for teachers and staff.

Why not build a new school or just expand Santa Barbara High School? The site is specifically designated by the California Department of Education as an auxiliary campus. Rather than a standalone school, it acts as an extension of our existing campuses

What CTE pathways are being considered? This will be determined by feedback we receive through the listening tour. We are focused on emerging 21st-century fields as well as those preparing students for industries prevalent in Santa Barbara and Goleta. The designs will be based on feedback from this listening tour.

Will this program be open to all high school students? Yes. The Armory is a districtwide resource. It is designed as a "pavilion" model, allowing students from any of our high schools to access specialized labs and equipment not available on their home campuses.

Will this take students away from other schools? No. Students remain enrolled at their home high schools. They will visit the Armory for specific, high-level technical coursework, much like a specialized science lab or athletic facility.

Can we move existing CTE programs to this site? This will be determined through the listening tour and meetings with current CTE teachers. The goal is to expand and enhance offerings, not just shuffle them

How is this being paid for? The project is funded by Measure I bond proceeds and Tatum funds, restricted to facilities and capital improvements. These funds cannot be used for classroom operations or salaries.

What will happen to the main Armory building? The costs of any work on the Armory building exceed current funding. We will consider its future once work on the CTE pavilion begins.

How much will the program and transportation cost? Operational costs, including student transportation, will be determined after the "Conceptual Design" phase when we know which programs will be housed there.

What has been happening with the site over the last decade? After voters approved the purchase in 2016, the District acquired the site from the state in 2018. Since then, we have conducted structural assessments, secured preliminary state (CDE) approvals, and completed due diligence to begin the design phase.

What is the timeline moving forward?

• Spring 2026: Community Listening Tour & Survey.
• Fall 2026: Conceptual designs presented to the Board.
• 2027: Finalizing blueprints and state approvals.
• 2028: Anticipated construction start.

What is the next step in the process? Gathering your input. Once the listening tour ends, our architects at 19six will use your feedback to create the first floor plans and site designs.