RANCHO SANTA FE — Plans for improvements to the R. Roger Rowe facility were well-received at the Association meeting April 3. Superintendent Lindy Delaney gave the presentation, which highlighted sweeping changes to the school, administrative buildings and playing fields.

On Feb. 5, Rancho Santa Fe voters approved Proposition E, the Rancho Santa Fe School District Rowe Renovation Measure. The $34 million bond passed with 71.6 percent of voters supporting the measure.

Architect and Rancho Santa Fe resident John Trittipo rendered the schematics for the campus. The Elementary School for kindergarten through fourth grade would be housed on one side of the campus and the Middle School for grades five through eight would be housed on the other side.

Changes include:

— Demolition of the administrative building, an eight-classroom building and buildings A and B

— Construction of a new two-story administration building with district administration on the second floor

— A new two-story classroom building with four science labs

— A new performing arts building with a music classroom

— A new library with kindergarten through fourth-grade technology center

— A new two-story kindergarten/primary building with 22 classrooms

— Increased areas in the kindergarten play area and an added lunch structure

— Reconfigured fields featuring new softball/soccer/lacrosse capabilities

“We will have three more classrooms than we have now and these will be specialty classes,” Delaney said. “We also have science labs proposed and it’s very exciting. We’ll be able to do things that are way beyond a converted classroom.”

The superintendent said that either a multi-use room or a performing arts center was under consideration. “The performing arts center could also be used as a community center but another $2 million would have to be raised,” she said.

The proposed new school is being designed for a capacity of 850 students. “This spring has been busier than most. We’re anticipating growth of 60 students this year. We will be graduating 80 eighth-graders this spring,” Delaney said when asked about current trends in growth.

Interior and exterior plans for the new school are still under development and will not be completed until November. There will be an Exterior Plan Meeting on April 17 and Delaney encouraged members of the community to attend and get involved. “We’re also in the process of finding a project manager,” Delaney said.

Current plans call for the construction to take place over a one-year period with the new campus to be completed in 2010. During construction, classes will be held in 17 portable school classrooms. “The interim housing will be a challenge, but our policy is “No whining!’” Delaney said. Plans are to have a shorter summer session this year with students returning early and then a longer summer session next year, thereby allowing more time for construction crews to work without interruption during summer 2009.

Director Stephen Shillington asked, “Will there be massive disruption during construction?” “We’ll get a better price and a better product by doing it faster,” Delaney replied citing studies and discussions that have been held.

During the construction phase, the 17 portable school classrooms will be placed in the parking lot in front of the gymnasium. These changes, however, will restrict the room for pickup and drop-off. “But it’s just for one year,” said Delaney. “Students will still have great teachers and a great curriculum. The kids will be just fine.”

Association President Marie Addario stated that the portable classrooms are of very high quality and are actually better classrooms than many of those currently in use, to which Delaney agreed.

A landscape architect has yet to be brought in, according to Delaney, but changes to the current campus will be major. There will be retaining walls along La Granada, which will serve to separate the traffic and help with noise reduction. Lush greenery will be the eventual goal to make the campus as appealing as possible.

“What will happen to traffic on La Granada during construction?” Addario asked. “It will slow traffic and we’ll have to deal with it,” Delaney said, gently reminding everyone of the “no whining” policy.

Overall, the proposed changes impressed both the Association board and community residents in attendance. “Bravo. Long overdue. This is a facility that really surpasses expectations,” Addario said. She reminded those in attendance that this project has been 10 years and three bonds in the making.

Vice President Bob Spears was equally enthusiastic. “This is terrific,” he said. “To replace the facilities on the bond that was just passed is terrific.”

School board President Richard Burdge was pleased with the positive reaction and encouraged members of the community to get involved. “If you’ve got ideas, here’s a chance to express your views,” he said. “Get on the Exterior Plan Committee.” The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for April 17. For more information, call (858) 756-1141.