By Sara Beth Williams–
Demolition and construction are taking place this summer at San Juan High School as part of a science wing and campus-wide modernization project, San Juan Unified School District officials say.
The modernization project is funded through the Kindergarten through Grade 12 Schools and Local Community College Public Education Facilities Modernization, Repair, and Safety Bond Act of 2024, which provides statewide funding for new construction and modernization of school facilities for specified purposes.
The science wing portion of the district’s modernization project is expected to cost $15 million, according to a report from Studio W Architects, who have partnered with the district to complete the science building remodel. “This project will modernize the space to better support student learning and success,” the district said on its website.
In a video on social media, San Juan High School principal David Levis said the original science building classrooms were constructed in 1938. Levis said two large chemistry classrooms are planned, along with three life science classrooms, a “makers space,” and a family resource center.
“We’ve come a long way in science over the last several years, so having a modernized location is going to be great for our kids,” Levis said.
Modernization plans include a “reconfiguration” of learning spaces, Studio W Architects says, with the goal of creating “improved classroom and science lab layouts.” Additions planned include a “makers space”, new storage rooms, a shared prep area between all labs, and a family resource area with private offices, as well as restrooms. The total square footage of space being remodeled is 12,000, according to the report.
The updated science labs will also open to an outdoor courtyard, promoting indoor-outdoor learning opportunities. Remodeled classrooms will also be equipped with appropriate safety stations and chemical storage in order to meet current safety standards. New flexible and durable furniture will also be added.
San Juan High School science department chair Jennifer Shirhall said with updated equipment, students will have access to “much more impressive and modern” technology. Having an outdoor space will also allow for more opportunities for outdoor learning, especially in biology and environmental science labs.
“The kids will have an opportunity to be hands-on with the environment,” Shirhall said.
A photo gallery of renderings for the new classrooms show learning spaces with modern designs that include red and white walls lined with cabinets and sinks, along with at least one white board in each room. One room is labeled “Makers Space” and has several tables and chairs that are more flexible in arrangement, along with a space designed to accommodate laptops. Other classrooms show more traditional seating, with several long tables situated with chairs, some tables higher than others.
Studio W Architects documents show the project is in progress and expected to be completed in 2027.
Levis said one of the goals for San Juan High School is to provide students with a stronger science background in order to help them become more competitive when entering college.
“Being able to have a facility where students can be able to grow and challenge their thinking, their learning is going to be the doorway to be able to access higher education and whatever career opportunities they want in the future,” Levis said.
In addition to updated science classrooms, some “light modernizations” are planned around the entire campus, bringing the total cost of the modernization project to $28.5 million according to district documents.
Campus-wide improvements planned include new interior and exterior paint, new flooring, updated furniture, new window coverings, new whiteboards, gutter repair and replacement, new acoustical wall paneling, abatement, and some lockers.
The science wing and campus renovation and modernization at San Juan High School follow at least two other major modernization projects at local schools, including a $21 renovated football stadium just completed at San Juan High School, and a newly constructed state of the art stadium, completed in 2023, at the cost of $27 million.
The district says campus modernizations should be complete by October. Studio W Architects documents show the science wing project is in progress and expected to be completed in 2027.
