Facilities and Operations

Caption: Aluminum windows left, wood windows right

The Historic Windows Replacement Project at Santa Barbara High School was successfully completed in 2023. As part of this effort, the District replaced deteriorating and worn out wooden windows with durable, energy efficient aluminum windows. This upgrade not only enhances the building’s appearance but also supports long term maintenance and improved classroom comfort. During the course of the project, the District identified an issue with heat and glare entering through the upper row of the new windows, which lacked coverings. In response, a solution was implemented: the application of window tinting on the upper panes. 

The Visual Arts and Design Academy (VADA) at Santa Barbara High School underwent a major transformation with the construction of a new, purpose-built facility that elevated the student experience and reflected the program’s creative mission.

Approved in late 2022, the project replaced aging portable classrooms with a modern 3,350 square foot building designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and real-world creative practice. The facility includes flexible indoor-outdoor studio spaces, a digital design lab, and areas for photography, exhibitions, and group collaboration.

As part of ongoing facility improvements, Goleta Valley Junior High School replaced aging portable classrooms with a new permanent classroom building. This project enhanced the learning environment by providing modern, energy-efficient instructional space that better supports student success and long-term campus sustainability.

The Multi-Purpose Room at La Cumbre and Santa Barbara Community Academy has been completely reimagined as a vibrant and flexible Design Lab, designed to support hands-on, project-based learning. This transformation created a modern educational environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

The renovated space features a new metal entry canopy and strategically placed skylights, enhancing natural lighting and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Inside, operable partitions allow for adaptable learning zones easily adjusted to support individual work, group collaboration, or large presentations.

The new Multipurpose Building at Santa Barbara Junior High School blends historic charm with modern functionality. Designed in harmony with the school’s original 1930s architecture, the space features vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams, and abundant natural light. This flexible facility serves as a gym, cafeteria, and event space, supporting both daily student life and school wide gatherings. With energy efficient systems and indoor outdoor connectivity, the renovated MPR is a vibrant hub that enhances learning, wellness, and community engagement.

This renovation preserves Peabody Stadium’s Mediterranean-style charm while delivering a premier athletic venue. It restores community pride, meets modern sports standards, and ensures the facility is safe and accessible. Whether it is game day, graduation, or community events, the new Peabody Stadium stands as a lasting legacy for Dons’ past, present, and future.

The Dos Pueblos CTE building project reflects a strong commitment to hands-on, career-focused learning through the development of modern educational facilities. The new space will support expanded opportunities for students in technical and media-related fields well into the future.

The District needs to replace the aging sewer lines serving the kitchen and kindergarten building due to recurring blockages caused by low spots and deteriorating pipes. The kitchen line runs from the back of the building, through the parking lot, and connects to a city manhole in the street. The kindergarten line runs diagonally from the building to the parking lot entrance, where it ties into the main line leading to the street.

The City has also identified that the portion of the line connecting to their manhole is in poor condition and requires replacement. To address all of these issues, the District will replace both sewer lines using proper slope and updated materials to help prevent future failures

Window coverings play a key role in classroom safety and security by blocking views from the outside during emergencies, such as lockdowns or intruder situations. This added layer of protection helps keep students and staff out of sight and reduces the risk of intrusion.

Beyond emergency situations, coverings also provide everyday privacy and contribute to a secure learning environment. They help control light and glare, improve visibility on screens, and reduce distractions from outside. They also support energy efficiency by helping to regulate classroom temperature. In warmer months, they reduce heat from sunlight, keeping rooms cooler and in colder months, they help retain warmth. This reduces the need for excessive heating or air conditioning, lowering energy costs and supporting a more sustainable school environment.

In addition to safety and energy benefits, window coverings help control glare, improve visibility on screens, and limit outside distractions, all of which contribute to a more focused and comfortable learning space

This project is necessary to address aging infrastructure and ensure the kitchen meets current health, safety, and operational standards. The scope includes the replacement of freezer and cooler units, plus abatement of hazardous materials, demolition, structural reconfiguration, roof patching, new framing, and installation of durable epoxy flooring. These upgrades will improve functionality, comply with regulations, and support long-term efficiency and service for students.

The pour-in-place playground surfacing at several of our sites is showing significant wear, with visible cracks, holes, and uneven areas that are beginning to pose trip hazards for students.

Pour-in-place is the rubberized safety surface commonly used on our playgrounds. It consists of a two-layer system: a cushioned base for impact absorption and a durable top layer designed to withstand wear and meet ADA standards. 

To address the most critical concerns, the District plans to bring in a contractor to assess conditions at four schools and provide pricing to repair the most damaged sections. We’re focusing only on the areas that present immediate safety risks, rather than pursuing full resurfacing.

By targeting the most problematic spots now, we can eliminate current hazards and extend the usable life of these surfaces. This approach allows us to maintain safety while deferring full replacement, ultimately helping us manage costs more efficiently and make better use of limited facilities funding.

The activity room at La Colina Junior High School has experienced ongoing roof leaks, which have previously caused significant flooring damage. To prevent further deterioration and protect the interior space, the District is proposing a roof replacement for this area. The proposed project at La Colina Junior High School involves replacing the flat roof over the activity room to prevent ongoing water intrusion into the building’s interior. This necessary repair will protect the facility from further water damage, ensuring a safe and functional space for students and staff. Upgrading to a more durable roofing system will enhance the building’s longevity and improve overall maintenance efficiency.

We are coordinating with Tremco to conduct comprehensive roof assessments at six district sites: Dos Pueblos High School, Santa Barbara Junior High, Santa Barbara High School, Peabody Charter School, Harding University Partnership School, and La Cumbre Junior High. The purpose of these assessments is to evaluate the condition of each roofing system and to develop a clear, prioritized plan for repairs and long-term maintenance.

Tremco will assess the state of each roof, identifying critical areas in need of immediate attention, sections that can be deferred, and any roofs that may require full replacement. This analysis will guide our project prioritization and budget allocation based on need and urgency.

We’ve also asked Tremco to provide preliminary cost estimates for each site, broken down by individual building. These estimates will take into account the specific roofing materials used and will support phased planning if needed.

Tremco is not only the system we specify for all major roofing projects, but also a manufacturer of high-performance roofing materials and provider of integrated services. Their expertise spans roofing, waterproofing, construction sealants, air and vapor barriers, and concrete admixtures. With over 90 years in the industry, Tremco is a trusted partner to school districts and public agencies nationwide, known for their emphasis on long-term building envelope solutions and extending the life cycle of roofing assets.

During a rainstorm in February 2024, a power surge damaged Southern California Edison’s transformer as well as the main electrical panel at La Colina Junior High School. Emergency repairs were made to one of the panels to restore partial power, and Scott and Sons Electrical, along with District Facilities staff, installed a temporary generator to supply power to the affected buildings.

Due to significant damage to the switchboard, Scott and Sons Electrical was contracted to install temporary electrical disconnects as a short-term solution to bypass the damaged equipment and keep the campus operational. This interim measure was implemented while JMPE Electrical Engineering developed the plans and specifications for a full replacement of the damaged electrical system.

The project was put out to bid, and Scott and Sons Electrical was awarded the contract. The new electrical equipment has a long lead time and is currently scheduled to ship from the manufacturer in September. Scott and Sons Electrical plans to complete the installation during the upcoming winter break.

The existing system is over 70 years old and has deteriorated beyond its useful life, leading to frequent failures. It is currently unable to adequately service several restrooms in the Industrial Wing, including those in the Wood Shop and Locker Rooms. These deficiencies contribute to ongoing maintenance issues and increased labor costs. The proposed scope of work includes the complete replacement of all wastewater and storm drain piping beneath the Wood Shop and Locker Room areas.

Over the years, water intrusion and termite damage have led to visible deformation and possible structural compromise to the cafeteria building. The existing roofing system, which includes 3x6 rafters and 6x8 beams supporting a heavy Spanish tile roof, has been compromised due to prolonged moisture exposure and termite damage and is showing signs of deflection, raising concerns about continued occupancy and use of the affected facilities. 

To address the urgent roof repair needs, the District reached out to Pueblo Construction, Inc. a contractor holding a B classification license with roofing expertise. 

San Marcos High School has been experiencing water intrusion issues due to the failure of the low-slope metal roof over the covered walkways. The affected areas include Wings B through F, with the most critical issues occurring in the B-Wing. To address this problem efficiently, the District is proposing to begin work on the B-Wing first. This phased approach will allow the District to develop a strategic plan for addressing the remaining buildings while also establishing a more accurate budget for future repairs.
 

The turf and track at the San Marcos High School stadium were originally installed in 2008. The rubberized running tracks, which typically last 8 to 10 years under normal use, are well past their intended lifespan. While they have supported our athletic programs and physical education classes effectively, recent inspections have revealed significant deterioration, including surface cracking, thinning, fading, loss of elasticity, and overall breakdown of materials.

San Marcos High School will expand its Cottage Health Careers Academy with a new mini-campus featuring modern classrooms, a simulation lab, science rooms, and sports medicine facilities. This upgrade will replace outdated portables and enhance hands-on learning through internships and practical experiences. The project will integrate mental health resources with healthcare training to foster a supportive culture of care, and prepare students for success in health careers and personal well-being.