Walnut Creek School District

Measure J: Investing in Our Students, Our Schools, Our Future

Big changes are happening to WCSD elementary schools! Over the next several weeks, we’ll be sharing a miniseries to educate and inform our community about Measure J and the exciting uprades coming to our campuses.

Thanks to your support, Measure J – a $134M bond measure passed by voters in 2022 – is funding major modernization projects across our elementary campuses.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

• Updated, flexible learning environments designed to foster engagement, inspire curiousity, and empower ALL learners
• Enhanced security to ensure student and staff safety
• Welcoming spaces that support student well-being & connection
• Improved dining experiences where students can share meals, build friendships, and refuel with health options

This is a transformation, not a rebuild – our goal is to create modern, welcoming schools where students thrive. Renovations started Summer 2024 and will continue each summer through 2027!

Last week we kicked off our Measure J miniseries, reintroducing this exciting initiative and what it means for our elementary schools.  This week it’s all about how we got to where we are today. The journey to modernizing WCSD elementary campuses began in 2022 when voters said YES to Measure J on the ballot!  Let’s take a look at what’s happened since then!

Key Milestones:

• Nov 2022 – Measure J PASSES!
• Feb 2023 – Mar 2025 – Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) meetings & community input sessions
• March 2023 – Present – Campus designs completed in phases based on the approved modernization schedule, with plans submitted to California’s required compliance process for K-12 renovations (DSA).  Some sites have begun construction, while others are still in design finalization or awaiting approval.
• June 2024 – Construction kick off!
• By September 2027 – All WCSD elementary schools will be transformed

Summer Construction: Why?
To minimize disruption for our students and communities, we’re tackling renovations in two 10-week phases over consecutive summers.  Construction began in Summer 2024, and will continue through Summer 2027 until modernization is complete for all campuses.

Continuing our miniseries all about Measure J.  This week we’re focused on community.  Measure J is about modernizing our schools – and it’s the result of a collaborative effort by our entire community!  From the very beginning, parents, educators, and local leaders came together to ensure this bond measure and resulting renovations reflect campus needs and our district’s mission.

Who Helped Shape Measure J?

• Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) – Parents, senior citizens & community members ensuring Bond funds are used as intended, and keeping the public informed of Bond-related expenditures.  Read more about the CBOC here.
• Architects & Planners – Experts designing modern, inclusive learning spaces
• WCSD Leadership & Board of Education – Upholding Board-approved district standards to ensure every upgrade aligns with the district’s commitment to safe, innovative, and equitable learning environments

Every voice mattered in this process, and thanks to your input, Measure J will transform every WCSD elementary school – ensuring safe, updated, and inspiring learning spaces for generatoins to come.

During our last installment, we shared how our community’s voice shaped Measure J.  Today, we dive into our 6 District Standards – the core priorities established to create safe, modern, and inclusive learning environments for all students.  These standards were carefully crafted based on the consistent needs assessed across all WCSD elementary campuses, and were Board-approved to ensure constistent, equitable upgrades at each of our schools.

What are the Measure J Disrict Standards?

1. Learning Environments → Flexible, future-ready classrooms designed for collaboration & creativity to empower student learning
2. Tiered Supports → Dedicated spaces for student services & well-being
3. Specialized & Common Areas → Inclusive spaces for hands-on learning, teamwork & innovation
4. Safety & Security → Thoughtfully designed single-entry points, safe exits & campus security enhancements
5. Child Nutrition → Modern, welcoming spaces where students connect and build relationships over shared, healthy meals, as recognized by WCSD’s Gold certification from Eat Real
6. Outdoor Environments → Play areas & outdoor learning spaces designed for movement & exploration

Each upgrade directly supports WCSD’s Strategic Plan and our 4 District Focus Areas: Academic Excellence & Global Competencies, Equity & Belonging, Safety & Emotional Wellness, Family & Community Connection.

We’ve explored how Measure J was shaped, and the 6 District Standards guiding our modernization design.  This week, we’re discussing an important piece of the Measure J puzzle – DSA approval.

DSA (Division of the State Architect) is the agency that ensures all school construction meets the highest standards for safety & accessibility.  Every project must receive DSA approval before work begins.

Why DSA approval matters?

• Guarantees structural integrity, fire safety, and accessibility compliance
• Allows WCSD to move forward with construction
• Once approved, plans and budgets are locked – keeping projects on track and within budget

Over the last month, we’ve shared how our community shaped Measure J, our 6 District Standards guiding every project, and DSA Approval.  Now, let’s talk about what’s ahead!

Modernization is happening in two phases – carefully planned to minimize disruption while delivering equitable, high-quality upgrades to every WCSD elementary school.

Phase 1: Interior

• Upgraded claassrooms featuring new lighting (skylights + fixtures), fresh paint, window coverings, modern flooring, and refined built-in flexible storage to increase available learning space
• Refreshed multipurpose rooms (MPRs) → transitioning from traditional “lunch rooms” to cafe-style spaces that foster connection & relationship-building, while also serving as modernized hubs for community events
• Library updates to enhance student learning & access to resources
• Upgraded offices & tiered support spaces to better serve students and staff

Phase 2: Exterior

• New playgrounds, outdoor learning areas, and added shade & picnic areas to support active play and engaged learning
• Improved accessibility for inclusivity and ease of campus navigation
• Enhanced campus security → Every school will have a single, secure entry point while maintaining safe exit plans.  Perimieter fencing will offer additional security.
• Permanent, pre-built learning spaces to ensure we have adequate space for our growing communities and class sizes

The goal?  Every WCSD elementary school will be transformed by Fall 2027!

Each construction period will take place over 10 weeks each summer – an aggressive timeline to ensure minimal disruption to students and the community.  All work will follow city noise ordinance rules to be mindful of our surrounding neighborhods.

While most campuses will complete Phase 1 before Phase 2, some projects may be adjusted based on material availability or DSA approvals – allowing us to keep progress moving forward efficiently!

A quick note on furniture:  Classroom furniture was previously upgraded thanks to Measure D (passed in 2016) – Measure J builds on that investment by enhancing the learning spaces around it.

What’s Next?
We’re shifting from planning to progress!  Starting in June, we’ll bring you progress updates every few weeks as Summer 2025 construction gets underway across our campuses.

Stay tuned – big changes are coming!