Spring 2020

Samohi Discovery Building Making Speedy Progress

We appreciate that construction is challenging for everyone: students, faculty, staff, and parents. The work mentioned below is being done with funds from voter-approved bonds.

Work to build and finish interior spaces has begun on the new Discovery building. Workers, administrators, teachers, school board members and community members came together in January to celebrate placement of the final piece of structural steel. Guests signed the beam before it was hoisted into place as part of the “topping out” ceremony.

When completed, the three-story, open-plan building will have:

• 38 classrooms and the M- and O-House offices
• Common areas and seminar rooms
• Olympic-size pool (50 meters)
• Full service kitchen for the district
• Indoor and outdoor dining areas
• Two multipurpose rooms, one of which can be divided into two
• A rooftop STEAM classroom
• Parking spaces for 288 cars, 184 of which will be underground

We are minimizing the impact on local traffic. Most truck deliveries and departures are scheduled outside of high-traffic drop-off and pick-up times. We are also mitigating dust by, among other things, spraying dusty areas with water, as required by law.

As always, we appreciate patience and support. The Discovery building project is funded by voter approved funds from Measure ES.

The following projects were completed in the last year:

A Resurfaced Track and Dedication 
All track surfaces (including the non-turf areas used for field events like the long jump) were resurfaced with a premium-quality synthetic surface. The environmentally-friendly surface, which comprises layers of polyurethane, pavement and sealants, offers enhanced feel for athletes, as well as increased shock absorption, reducing injury potential. It exceeds the International Association of Athletics Federations’ (the governing body of professional track and field) standards for outdoor tracks. And of course the new surface is Samohi blue with gold exchange zones. The track was dedicated as the Patrick Cady Track to honor the late Samohi track and cross-country coach who passed away in 2019.

Olympic Spur Improvements
This realignment project, encompassing the area next to Olympic near 6th Street, allows garbage pick-up to be consolidated to the campus perimeter. And, the Olympic entrance has separate vehicle and pedestrian entrances for improved safety.

Air Conditioning
There was a big, two-year push on air conditioning projects. The language and history buildings are completed. Other air conditioning installations have taken place at Barnum Hall and the music, administration, business, English and art buildings. The gymnasiums received new fans.

Barnum Hall Improvements
In addition to air conditioning improvements, the entryway was redone, and bathrooms were upgraded to be more accessible.

Cameras and Security
We are working to finish installation of our new perimeter cameras and a campus-wide electronic lock program. This is on top of our new visitor-management identification system that can quickly  verify campus visitors.

Other Athletics Improvements
In 2017, the district completed the installation of new softball and baseball fields and new outdoor basketball courts.