Photograph by Kathy De La Torre

Richard Meyer (center) director of building projects for the LG-SJUHSD, explains plans for the new science and home economics wing to Joe Rodgers (left) parent of former LGHS students, at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Fruit of Measure B efforts evident at groundbreaking

Superintendent hands out honorary hard hats

By Leigh Ann Maze

In a brief but important ceremony on May 2, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District broke ground on the immense $79 million Measure B school bond project. The golden shovel bit into the ground on Los Gatos High School's asphalt basketball courts, the site where the new two-story science and home economics building will be built this summer.

Los Gatos Mayor Steve Blanton and Assemblyman Jim Cunneen joined the small but festive crowd of school administrators, board members, teachers, parents, students, volunteers and architects.

Before the groundbreaking, LG-SJUHSD superintendent Cynthia Ranii handed out honorary hard hats to community volunteer Joan Henricks and to all of the district board members for their commitment in long volunteer hours to make the bond project happen.

"It's been a huge team effort," Ranii said. "Like a movie crew needed to produce an award-winning film."

Henricks, whose children are now in college, was co-chairwoman of the Measure B bond campaign.

"I look forward to seeing the fruits of our labor," Henricks said. "It really took the whole community pulling together to make this happen." Henricks had the honor of throwing the first shovelful of dirt.

The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of many Measure B construction projects at LGHS. The bond campaign began in January 1998, and was passed by local voters June 2, 1998, with an 81 percent majority.

The two-story science and home economics building will include 12 science classrooms, faculty offices, project rooms, restrooms and a storage area. Home economics will occupy two classrooms on the ground floor, looking out onto a large courtyard where various events will be held. The building is expected to be complete by August 2001 and ready for the 2001-2002 school year.

Already completed is the demolition and renovation of four bathrooms and heating and air-conditioning upgrades to 17 classrooms.

Also planned for LGHS is the modernization of all buildings including the library and both boys' and girls' locker rooms. The existing science building will be converted into classrooms, and a new classroom building will be constructed. The school also will be painted, and parking and circulation will be improved.

"So far everything is running on schedule and under budget--magic words for a building project," said Geoffrey Teall, assistant superintendent of the district. The entire bond project is expected to be completed by September of 2004.

The festivities will start all over again at Saratoga High School on May 10, with its own Measure B groundbreaking ceremony.

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