You might think our schools remain quiet during the summer; but if you take a drive around town, you will find a few spots with a flurry of activity. During June and July, two thousand high school students attend summer classes held at Golden West and El Diamante High Schools.  Golden West High School hosts Redwood High School students and El Diamante High School hosts Mt. Whitney High School students. One thousand middle school students complete a four-week summer program in language arts and math in early July, held at each middle school. Most of the classes offered allow students to catch up and stay on target for graduation.  

Maintenance, custodial, and grounds crews descend on our schools during the summer for deep-cleaning, trimming, and other annual maintenance. Even in bad budget years, we need to take care of the school buildings and grounds. Our crews are working together in teams to maximize efficiency. When teachers and students return in August, they will find clean, well-cared-for classrooms.

Federal “stimulus” funds are busy at work improving our water systems, air conditioning, and physical education outdoor facilities. Houston, Hurley, and Fairview Elementary Schools have irrigation improvements underway. Mt. Whitney High School is a place you will see a lot of activity, i.e., concrete work, reroofing, irrigation, library remodel, and improvements in the student parking lot are a few very noticeable projects.

There is also much activity around Visalia Charter Independent Study’s (VCIS) new building located just across from COS. The new location will serve the needs of our students well into the future.

Another project is at the COS Farm, the new home of Visalia Technical Education Center (VTEC). The charter school opens in August and is a unique partnership between Visalia Unified School District and College of the Sequoias. VTEC is a vocational school and will open with two career pathways, food science and veterinary technology.

I am sure some of you might ask a simple question, “If there is such a budget crisis, how can you make all these improvements around the district?” That is a great question! All of our projects and programs are from “restricted” and “one-time” money, not our ongoing general fund. These improvements will last for years; and during the slim times ahead, we will be thankful that our facilities are efficient, clean, and safe.

Craig Wheaton, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent
cwheaton@vusd.org