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SUSD board approves final plans for Foothill
By Leigh Ann Maze
Leaky roofs, antiquated plumbing, aging restrooms, portable classrooms and inadequate wiring for technology will finally be replaced at Argonaut and Foothill schools.
Saratoga Union School District board members approved the final site plans for Foothill School at their meeting Nov. 9, after six months of board meetings, site committee meetings and community meetings. The board approved site plans for Argonaut school Oct. 26.
Although the schools received minor renovations in the past, these site plans call for the first major renovations to either school since they were built in the 1950s, according to District Superintendent Mary Gardner.
"I think it was a struggle for the committee to balance all the needs," Gardner said, adding that the process took a little longer than expected because the board wanted to obtain community input. "I think they've done the best job they can, and we're ready to move forward and start the construction."
In June 1997, Saratogans passed Measure D to renovate and repair Redwood, Saratoga, Argonaut and Foothill schools for seismic upgrades, safety repairs and modernization.
Some of the neighbors, teachers, site committee members and parents spoke at the meeting Nov 9. Three Seaton Avenue residents said Foothill's site plan was "un-neighborly" due to the proximity of the school's fun house to their homes; it's about 45 feet away in some cases. Eight other speakers said their initial safety concerns over traffic were mitigated, and they urged the board to accept the plan, saying it was time to "move forward."
Board members did accept the plan, and said they will do what they can to mitigate any noise or invasion of privacy that the fun house may pose to Seaton Avenue neighbors, according to SUSD board president Cindy Ruby.
Construction on both schools is expected to begin next fall, after the site plans are submitted to the state for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. At Foothill, the old multipurpose room will be renovated into a new library with computer terminals. The renovations also will include five new kindergarten classrooms, three new general classrooms and a new multipurpose building with attached administrative office space. The daycare center will be relocated, and parking will be expanded to accommodate a total of 97 cars (about 30 new spaces).
At Argonaut all classrooms will be remodeled, and a new administrative building and a larger multipurpose room will be constructed. The daycare center will be relocated, and several new classrooms will replace old portables. "We're hoping to minimize disruptions and keep eyes on the silver lining, a school that the students and community can be proud of," Argonaut Principal Sue Brooks said.
Work began in June on Redwood and Saratoga schools. Abatement of structural components known to contain asbestos has been completed at both schools. Construction of a new two-story classroom building, a new multipurpose room and library renovation are well under way at Saratoga Elementary and Redwood Middle schools. Gardner expects the new buildings to be ready for occupancy by summer.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
