Editorial: Placer Unified sticks to its plan on Learning Commons

The Placer Union High School District (PUHSD) is continuing with the building of the Placer High School Learning Commons project as collaboratively designed and looks forward to its completion in the spring of 2022. We appreciate everyone's thoughts and opinions on the topic. Your care for our schools is one of the most endearing things that make the Auburn community great. Thank you. In response to a request by a few members of the Auburn community to change the facade of the Learning Commons building, PUHSD requested our Design-Build construction team do a cost analysis of the recommendations, as well as the time impacts of changing the scope of the project. In a presentation at the Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 2, the cost analysis presented was in excess of $800,000 to make the changes as requested. Time delays are unknown, as many of the requested changes have to be approved by the Division of the State Architect (DSA), which could be months out. During the meeting on Nov. 2, it was discussed that throughout the months working on the design, members of the Design Committee (school and community members) made many changes to the plan (architectural style, tile roof, colors, arches, pillars, etc.) that they felt complemented the multigenerational architectural styles throughout the campus (specifically those located on lower campus near the site of the Learning Commons building) while staying within the allotted budget. It was acknowledged that this process has been ongoing since 2019 and countless hours by individuals in our community and school have worked on and created the plan as presented to and approved by the board. Specifically pointed out during the meeting was a July 2020 article ("Demolition day: Placer High cafeteria comes down as Measure G bond improvements underway"), which was published in the Auburn Journal depicting pictures of the demolition of the old building and a rendering of the new building. As discussed, this project has been in the public eye for a very long time. PUHSD's facility plan using Measure G funds at Placer High School includes restoration to the Earl Crabbe Gym, modernization plans for the 200, 300 and 400 buildings, along with modernization to the student services building and several other projects. Making the changes as suggested by Mr. & Ms. Murphy ("New building at Placer High School lacks historic continuity," Auburn Journal, Oct. 13, page A4) would put us over budget, not honor our process, and would eliminate other much-needed projects. As noted above, the time delay would further impact our already displaced students and staff who have been without a full-service cafeteria and library for nearly two years. Continuing to deal with construction noise, obstructed walkways and inaccessible parking areas for an additional unknown amount of time is not acceptable. PUHSD's overarching goal is to provide the best learning environments for our students. We are excited about the facility and all it has to offer to our students, staff and communities now and for years to come. Once complete, the Learning Commons will provide a cafe-style nutrition area with access to outdoor seating, a new library and many collaboration spaces for our students and staff. This building will be the "hub" of campus and as one member of the community called it, the "Jewel" of Placer High School. Please regularly visit the PUHSD website and the agendas of the PUHSD Board of Trustees. Our goal is to be transparent and inclusive in all our decisions. We encourage our public to engage with us in a timely manner on district business, concerns and decisions. Peter Efstathiu is assistant superintendent of administrative services for the Placer Union High School District.