Antelope Elementary School District

 

Antelope Elementary School District (AESD) provides high-quality education for students in local elementary and middle schools. Dedicated teachers and staff are committed to providing a safe learning environment that promotes academic excellence, responsible citizenship, and a lifelong desire for learning. Strong schools that nurture successful students improve the quality of life in our community and protect the property value of local homes.

 

 

We are proud of the excellent academic opportunities in Antelope Elementary School, Plum Valley Elementary School, and Berrendos Middle School, but the quality and condition of the school facilities are not meeting the needs of our students. Some of our school facilities are as old as the 1930s and need repairs and upgrades to support current safety  standards and quality student instruction. While school maintenance staff do their best to keep schools safe and clean, our schools were built to safety and educational standards from a different era. Basic repairs and upgrades are needed to keep AESD schools safe and functioning for our students.

The District is in the process of assessing each school site and creating a Facilities Master Plan, which will outline priority repairs and upgrades for each of our school facilities. Projects identified thus far include:
 Installing and upgrading security fencing, cameras, fire alarm systems, and exterior lighting to bring schools up to current safety and security standards
 Repairing or replacing leaky roofs, rusty plumbing, and deteriorating HVAC systems
 Replacing portable classrooms that have exceeded their usable lifespans
 Upgrading student restrooms
 Ensuring all schools have access to a multi-purpose room
 Updating classrooms to meet current educational standards
 Improving access for students with disabilities

 

The facility improvements needed in AESD schools are far beyond the scope of the District’s current maintenance budget. District leaders are currently evaluating options for funding these improvements, including utilizing capital reserves and accessing available State funds. Additionally, another option utilized by many California school districts is to ask local voters to approve a school improvement bond measure to provide dedicated local funding for repairs and upgrades. A bond measure would require a detailed project list showing how funds are expected to be used, and an independent citizens’ oversight committee and annual audits to ensure funds are used as promised.

 

 

As AESD considers options for preparing our schools for the future, we welcome your input. To share your opinions and priorities, or to ask questions, please contact Superintendent Jim Weber at AESDfacilities@antelopeschools.org.

If you haven’t done so already, please share your priorities and feedback about the future of
AESD schools by completing one or more of the surveys below.

 

 

 

Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Draft AESD Facilities Master Plan