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Published on 08/10/1998 All articles from this issue

Weather slows schools construction

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By Linda Taaffe

Town Crier Staff Report

Despite delays from this year's heavy rainfall, the framework is up for the new art and science buildings at both Los Altos and Mountain View high schools, and school officials say they expect the buildings to be completed in June and February 1999 respectively.

"It's challenging us, but I think we're doing well," said Rich Fischer, superintendent of the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District. "Progress seems to be positive."

Groundbreaking at both sites began last January with D.L. Falk Construction Inc. constructing the building at Mountain View High for $5.5 million and Rhodes & Kesling constructing the one at Los Altos High for $7.2 million.

Robyn Phillips, associate superintendent of business services, said the rain put the projects about 50 days behind schedule, but she expects the Mountain View building to be occupied over spring break 1999 and the Los Altos building to be occupied by fall 1999.

She said the buildings will add 15 classrooms collectively to the district. Both projects are part of the five-year, $58 million renovation plan that began in 1996.

The district is also retrofitting the gyms and libraries at both schools.

Phillips said the Mountain View gym and the small gym at Los Altos should open by Sept. 4. The large gym at Los Altos should be opened by Nov. 25.

Phillips said the district is looking for alternative sites for athletic teams to practice and play matches until the gyms re-open.