PUHSD stands by design of Placer High building, 'excited' for project completion

The Placer Union High School District (PUHSD) values our community's input. As such, we have worked with the Placer High School community from the beginning of this effort with the passage of Measure G to the present day. Thankfully, once the bond measure was passed, we were able to choose a design-build team through the Request For Qualifications (RFQ) process*. The ultimate design concept was developed and supported by a local committee and the Citizens Oversight Committee. Included in these groups are members of Placer High School, PUHSD, the Historical Society and Placer alumni. Currently, the project is deep into the construction phase, with an anticipated completion date of April 2022. (*Please note the RFQ process was published in the Auburn Journal and Trade Journals in November 2019 to notify the public of the opportunity to submit a proposal.) We recognize the character of Placer High School's campus and value the importance of maintaining its architectural style throughout. Countless hours were spent with the groups and the selected design-build team looking at every aspect of the different types of architecture found throughout the campus. We made the best, informed decision on the design that we feel will best meet the needs of current and future Placer High School students, staff and families. The new building complements the campus' existing historical buildings with its architectural style, color, tile roof, arches, pillars and handrails, which the Architect and the local design development teams thoughtfully tied into the multigenerational architectural styles displayed across the upper and lower campuses. We have, and always will, maintain and enhance the character of our special campus. The new Learning Commons will be an integral part of our campus where Placer High School students and staff will have access to improved nutritional cafe-style facilities, collaborative learning spaces, our new library, as well as outdoor gathering areas. PUHSD is excited to see this project to completion so our students and staff can enjoy the new facility. After years of working on this project, changing the scope at this time is not financially feasible, and the lengthened schedule will create a logistical hardship on our students and staff, and simply not an option. Jeff Patton is director of maintenance & operations with the Placer Union High School District.