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CHABOT ELEMENTARY : NEW BUILDING NEWS!
In June 2006 Oakland voters overwhelmingly approved Measure B, a $435 million bond measure to modernize several Oakland Unified School District facilities. Funds to modernize Chabot Elementary were included in the measure, and we're excited to announce that the planning and community process for Chabot Elementary has formally begun.
Please read Principal Jonathan Mayer's letter to the Chabot community about the new building.
Please review the FAQ below for information we've received so far from the OUSD. We'll continue to provide information and news as it becomes available.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (updated 5/07)
Q: Will there be an opportunity to meet at Chabot and learn more?
(Numerous community meetings were held throughout the project development process in the spring of 2007.) Additional meetings are scheduled for Monday, June 11 and Thursday, June 18. We invite everyone - parents, teachers, students, staff, neighbors and friends of Chabot - to attend these meetings. The meetings will take place in the Chabot Auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m.
Q: What type of facility will Chabot receive as a result of Measure B?
The original 1927 school building will remain intact. Measure B funds will be used for a new multi-story permanent building on the Chabot campus to replace the outdated portables. While the exact number of classrooms and other facilities is still being determined, we anticipate that the new building will include a cafeteria and other spaces that Chabot has been desperately lacking.
Q: Which portables will be replaced by the new building? The project will definitely replace the nine 1940s era portables housed in the midsection of the Chabot campus. The PTA has requested that all of the portables be replaced, and we're working closely with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) to achieve that goal. We will have more information as the project evolves.
Q: How much money has the district budgeted for this project?
The final budget will depend on the ultimate scope of work, which will be determined as the architects and project manager finalize the plans. The current figure has been stated at around $13 million, however that will likely change to accommodate the final parameters of the project.
Q: Who will design the building?
The district has engaged the San Francisco-based firm of Beverly Prior Architects to design the new structure. BPA has extensive experience designing educational facilities, and recently worked with the OUSD to design and build the Acorn Woodland/Encompass Academy campus in east Oakland. More information about BPA is available online at www.beverlypriorarchitects.com The landscape designers for the project will be the respected local firm of Moore Iacofano Goltsman. More information about MIG is available online at www.migcom.com
Q: How was the architect selected?
The OUSD issued a call for proposals in the fall of 2006. From a field of initial respondents, the district invited three finalists to make presentations to district and Chabot Elementary representatives. BPA was selected to design the new structure in late 2006.
Q: Who will oversee this project at Chabot?
The OUSD has hired Donald Chew as project manager to oversee the entire project from concept to completion. The project manager will work closely with the architects, general contractors and community to ensure that the building stays on target, on budget and on schedule. Jonathan Mayer, Principal of Chabot, will be the school’s primary contact with the district throughout the process. The Chabot PTA’s Long Range Planning Committee will serve as Mr. Mayer’s partner in maintaining an open communication channel with Chabot’s extended community.
Q: Will the new building complement the historic character of the existing campus?
While it may not look exactly like the existing historic structure, every effort will be made to create buildings that complement the original structures.
Q: When will the new building be completed?
Generally a project like this requires 18 months to two years in the planning process, followed by another two to three years to complete construction. We hope to have a more precise target completion date in the coming months.
Q: Will Chabot enrollment increase once the new facility is complete?
This project is conceived as one that will bring the Chabot campus facilities up to the requirements to accommodate its current enrollment of approximately 500 students. Future expansion of the Chabot student body is not part of the plan.
Q: What if I have more questions?
The Chabot PTA maintains this website. We invite you to visit regularly, as it will be updated throughout the process. You may also email specific questions to info@chabotelementary.org We'll make every effort to provide timely responses and more information as it becomes available. | 
