Placer County – an area widely known for its top-notch schools – will debut four new campuses this month in the face of an economy that has compromised resources.
The task wasn't easy. Voters were persuaded to pass bond measures. State funding was sought amid an uncertain budget. Developers paid, too, despite the housing crash that also stunted enrollment at some schools.
"There is a lot of upfront studying done prior to the opening of a school," said Gayle Garbolino-Mojica, superintendent of the Placer County Office of Education. "The downturn in the economy over the past year or two will not override what these districts have been planning for several years."
Roseville welcomes two new campuses: Creekview Ranch Middle School, a $50 million eco-friendly campus in the rural Dry Creek area, and Junction Elementary School, a $24 million campus boasting a historical theme in a new master-planned community.
In the foothills of Placer County, $1 million was secured to install infrastructure and portables at the new Loomis Basin Charter School, which offers the esteemed International Baccalaureate program.
Antelope will open its first comprehensive high school today, following 10 years of planning and more than $107 million in funding.
Money for the schools arrived via several vehicles. However, Placer County educators agree it took more than cash to build their schools.
The need was determined. A vision was developed. The community pulled together to shape plans and curriculum. Once a location and funding were secured, construction of facilities had to meet government requirements.
"The community has very high expectations for schools, and because of that, they are willing to support our schools," said Mark Geyer, Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District chief.
NEW SCHOOLS
Junction Elementary School
2150 Ellison Drive, Roseville
Opening: Aug. 26
Enrollment: About 270
Capacity: 600
Teachers: 12
Acres: 10
Cost: $24 million
Funding: Pulte Homes-Del Webb
Principal: David Phillips
District: Roseville City School
Creekview Ranch Middle School
8779 Cook Riolo Road, Roseville
Opening: Aug. 11
Enrollment: about 730
Capacity: 1,100
Teachers: 30
Acres: 26
Cost: $50 million
Funding: February 2008 Measure E bond, state grant and
developer fees
Principal:George Tsai
District: Dry Creek Joint Elementary School
Antelope High School
4635 Elverta Road, Antelope
Opening: Today
Enrollment: About 892
Capacity: 1,600
Teachers: 42
Acres: 50.91
Cost: $107,435 million
Funding: 2004 Measure J bond, state grant and developer fees
Principal: John Becker
District: Roseville Joint Union High School
Loomis Basin Charter School
5438 Laird Road, Loomis
Opening: Aug. 20
Enrollment: 185
Capacity: 185
Teachers: Nine
Acres. 1.5
Cost: $1 million
Funding: Bank loan for infrastructure, $600,000 state startup grant for curriculum-related costs
Principal: Cindy Uptain
District: Loomis Union School
Call The Bee's Lakiesha McGhee at (916) 773-7630.
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