CHS Students and Staff Ready to Relocate into New Classrooms

While people recover from their bountiful Thanksgiving meals of turkey and stuffing, teachers will be stuffing their instructional accoutrements into boxes in anticipation of the move to brand-new classrooms during Winter Break. When Carlsbad High students return to school on January 9, 2012, they will enjoy wonderful new spaces inside and out, says Director of Secondary Education Maggie Stanchi, who previously served as Carlsbad High School Principal and is currently leading the relocation effort for the District.

Stanchi states, “We are reinvigorating the venerable Lancer spirit and offering students the 21st-century framework they will need to succeed in college and career.”

She opines, “As kids enter their bright, spacious, high-tech classrooms in Buildings 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000, among the first things they’ll likely notice are the fresh new-classroom aromas, attractive coastal blue and green interior color schemes, Lancer-purple chairs, airy spaces (with some ceilings soaring as high as 21 feet!), oversized windows, huge SmartBoards and other built-in, cutting-edge technology.”

At a ribbon cutting on a date in early 2012 to be determined, families and community members will have an opportunity to tour several classrooms and become familiar with the 3557 Lancer Way campus whose renovation they supported by overwhelmingly approving the $198 million Prop P bond measure in November 2006. The total modernization of 53-year-old Carlsbad High will cost approximately $90 million. Prop P is also funding the construction of new and has funded several modernizing and upgrading efforts at existing elementary and middle schools and District-wide.

Currently, as many as 100 workers are readying the five classroom buildings for occupation while completing the outdoor Lancer Plaza gathering space, installing walkways and finishing an array of landscaping features. Scheduled for completion in November are the new wrestling building and installation of equipment in the nutritional services facility. While teachers continue packing up in December, technicians will install new computers, wireless networks and other electronic hardware. Teachers’ boxes and instructional materials will be moved to their new home during a four-day period starting Dec. 27.

During this same period, new wireless technology and computer upgrades will be installed in classrooms at the remaining two existing Buildings 2000 and 3000. Another project completing in December occurs at the existing gym: renovation of restrooms and installation of new bleachers. 

The relocation team is handling a myriad of intricate details, down to the last classroom key. Stanchi offers this comparison: “If you’ve ever moved from one house or apartment to another, or organized even a small remodel on an existing home, you’ll know how time-consuming and complicated the process can be. Multiply that effort by at least one hundred, and you’ll comprehend the breadth of the undertaking.” She promises, “It all will be worth it!”

Carlsbad High Principal Matt Steitz, Ed.D., concurs. He says, “We appreciate the patience of staff, students, families and neighbors during this massive renovation, which began in 2008. Carlsbad High not only will look and feel like a brand-new campus, but also will be poised to meet tomorrow’s educational needs. Once the new parking lot is installed next spring and temporary buildings are removed after Sage Creek opens, Carlsbad High will present a beautiful facade, but the beauty will be much more than skin deep. Redesigned to promote an optimum teaching and learning environment, the campus will be a marvel of form meeting function. The framework is certain to be utilized to its greatest advantage by students pursuing their academics and a variety of other interests, including fashion, ceramics, music, dance, art and broadcasting.”

District Superintendent John A. Roach, Ed.D., says he is excited about the progress at Carlsbad High and Sage Creek High. He states, “I am so proud of what we as a community are doing for our children and for all of Carlsbad.”                                     

For more information on the reconstruction of Carlsbad High and construction of Sage Creek High, please visit carlsbadusd.k12.ca.us/ppoc.html.

Press Release by CUSD