In Atascadero, campus upgrades mark start of new school year

As school opens Wednesday, the Atascadero Unified School District has big facilities upgrades underway at its campuses, including a sparkling new building at Atascadero Middle School that features more than 20 new classrooms built as part of an initial phase of construction.

Upgrades at school sites are ongoing as part of a voter-approved bond that will pay for $121 million in facilities upgrades with an additional $4 million in new construction from developer fees.

“We’re very excited to be seeing the results of the work done thus far,” said Tom Butler, Atascadero Unified’s superintendent. “These facilities will offer a wonderful experience for teachers and students.”

In addition to the classrooms, the middle school’s new building also will feature administration offices, a library and science labs.

Other projects include an overhaul of classrooms at the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy, including exterior paint, new roofing, new floor and wall finishes, new windows and refurbishing of existing cabinets.

The work on the classrooms has been completed, though some additional construction on the heating, air and ventilation units is necessary.

The Fine Arts Academy also will see technology upgrades, including replacement of concrete sidewalks, restroom reconstruction, and door and hardware replacement to comply with accessibility requirements.

Other work is taking place at Santa Margarita Elementary School, Atascadero High School and San Gabriel Elementary School.

Butler said of the $80 million spent thus far, $65 million has been spent in the local economy, including on engineers, contractors, architects and others.

This story was originally published August 23, 2016 at 11:09 PM with the headline "In Atascadero, campus upgrades mark start of new school year."