Schools
Renovate or Start Over? Board Deciding Fate of Local Schools
Voters approved bonds to renovate schools but the board decided to spend the money differently. Now the decision is being revisited.
Written by Beatrice Karnes
Martinez voters approved a $45 million school bond issue in 2010 to install solar panels, expand the performing arts building at Alhambra High School, upgrade classrooms, build space for a culinary arts program, and add career and technical education classrooms.
But in 2012 the Martinez Unified School District Board went in a different direction with the bond money—voting to spend $5 million on a new facility for Vicente Martinez High School and Briones Independent Study School.
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With a new face on the board, that decision is being revisited. Deidre Siguenza was appointed to the board in January, replacing Vicki Gordon who now serves on the Contra Costa Community College governing board. Gordon had voted with the 3-2 split majority in favor of the new campus.
The board discussed the issue Monday. A vote is expected on Aug. 24 on whether the board will explore other options.
