MARTINEZ, Calif. – Martinez Unified School District is breaking ground Monday afternoon June 10 for the new John Muir Elementary School campus.
The campus overhaul is the largest project under the school district’s Measure R bond issue approved by voters in 2016.
Throughout the summer, contractor Lathrop Construction will start the demolition of the current campus.
When classes resume Aug. 14, pupils will find that some classrooms and teachers have been moved throughout the campus to accommodate the construction. The Woodbridge Elementary School Child Care Center also will be moved.
Throughout the 2019-20 school year, students and teachers will see the new building take shape. But they’ll be separated from the construction activity by fencing, according to information provided by the school district.
The new campus design went through changes when in the wake of school mass shootings, a design subcommittee convinced the Board of Education of the need for a single building with limited access, although doors would be placed in the center and at both ends of the building to allow escape in case of fires.
Cost of the campus replacement will exceed $30 million. While all four of the District’s elementary schools as well as Martinez Junior High School, will experience Measure R enhancements in the coming years, only John Muir Elementary was targeted for complete replacement.
The District anticipates the new building will be ready for students the first day of the 2020-2021 school year. New drive-in drop and retrieve lanes also should be finished. Final demolition and construction is expected to be finished by November 2020.
The groundbreaking will take place at 5 p.m. at the John Muir Elementary School campus, 205 Vista Way.
