El Rancho High School Modernization Project
Starting soon…
The El Rancho High School Modernization Project will encompass seven major improvements across the campus, enhancing both academic and recreational spaces. Key developments include a brand-new, state-of-the-art 15,000 sq. ft., two-story Science Building and a 1,500 sq. ft. CMU structure housing restrooms, storage, and a concession stand. Additional upgrades feature a shaded shelter for the pool bleachers, enhanced acoustics and HVAC systems in the band room, a dynamic outdoor learning area, refreshed quad and landscaping, and a complete front-of-school renovation to create a welcoming and modern entrance.
Monthly Updates:
October 2025
Music Room Interior Improvements & HVAC Upgrades:
The plans for the Music Room Interior Improvements and HVAC upgrades were successfully submitted to the Division of the State Architect (DSA). DSA acknowledged the approval but is pending the Barrier Removal 'Fix-It" project to get approved first in order to approve the Music Room project as they tie together regarding accessibility. The Barrier Removal "Fix-It" has been approved by DSA — a major milestone. Now we're awaiting for DSA to officially stamp the plan set for final approval.
Restroom & Concession Building:
The project plans for the new Restroom and Concession Building were successfully submitted to the Division of the State Architect (DSA). DSA acknowledged the approval but is pending the Barrier Removal 'Fix-It" project to get approved first in order to approve the Restroom Building project as they tie together regarding accessibility. The Barrier Removal "Fix-It" has been approved by DSA — a major milestone. Now we're awaiting for DSA to officially stamp the plan set for final approval.
Pool Shade Structure:
The Pool Shade Structure project has been approved by DSA. This addition will provide much‑needed shade and comfort for pool users, improving safety and usability during peak sun hours. We continue to coordinate with DSA to keep the process moving toward the construction phase.
Science Building / Quad / Frontage Projects:
Design work for these projects are in progress. The Frontage project was submitted to DSA, awaiting comments. Increment 1 of 2 for the Science Building / Quad was submitted to DSA, awaiting comments. Incremendent 2 of the Science Building / Quad will be submitted in November. These improvements will enhance learning spaces, campus frontage, and outdoor areas.
Gym Upgrades:
The Gym Upgrades Project is under DSA review. The basketball backboards were also submitted to DSA & awaiting approval in the next 2 months. We are monitoring the review timeline and will respond promptly to comments to keep the project on schedule.
September 2025
Music Room Interior Improvements & HVAC Upgrades:
The plans for the Music Room Interior Improvements and HVAC upgrades were successfully submitted to the Division of the State Architect (DSA). DSA acknowledged the approval, but the project is pending the approval of the Barrier Removal 'Fix-It' project to ensure the Music Room project is approved first, as they are tied together regarding accessibility.
Restroom & Concession Building:
The project plans for the new Restroom and Concession Building were successfully submitted to the Division of the State Architect (DSA). DSA acknowledged the approval but is pending the Barrier Removal 'Fix-It" project to get approved first in order to approve the Restroom Building project as they tie together regarding accessibility.
Pool Shade Structure:
The Pool Shade Structure project has been approved by DSA. This addition will provide much‑needed shade and comfort for pool users, improving safety and usability during peak sun hours. We continue to coordinate with DSA to keep the process moving toward the construction phase.
Science Building / Quad / Frontage Projects:
Design work for these projects are in progress. The Frontage project was submitted to DSA at the end of September. Increment 1 of 2 for the Science Building / Quad will be submitted to DSA at the beginning of October. Incremental 2 of the Science Building / Quad will be submitted in early November. These improvements will enhance learning spaces, campus frontage, and outdoor areas.
Gym Upgrades:
The Gym Upgrades Project is under DSA review. The basketball backboards were also submitted to DSA & awaiting approval in the next 2-3 months. We are monitoring the review timeline and will respond promptly to comments to keep the project on schedule.
August 2025
The Music Room Interior Improvements and HVAC upgrades are moving full steam ahead! Plans were successfully submitted to the Division of the State Architect (DSA), and after incorporating feedback, updated plans are already back in for continued review and approval. The Restroom and Concession Building has also hit a major milestone, officially entering the permitting phase with DSA. With revisions addressed and resubmitted, this project is on track and gaining momentum. At the same time, the Gym Upgrades Project is making steady progress under DSA review, with the team ready to act quickly to keep everything on schedule.
Even more exciting DSA has officially approved the Pool Shade Structure! This upgrade will soon deliver comfort and safety for pool users, making the space more enjoyable during sunny peak hours. Design efforts are also in full swing for the Science Building, Quad, and Frontage projects, with submittals planned for late September and early October. These future enhancements will transform learning spaces, outdoor areas, and the campus frontage. To ensure success, DSA/CGS has already approved the soil testing for the Science Building, setting the stage for a strong foundation and a bright future ahead!
July 2025
The El Rancho High School Modernization Project continues to move forward with exciting developments across multiple key areas of campus. July marked continued momentum in the permitting and design phases, bringing us one step closer to delivering enhanced academic, recreational, and communal spaces for the Don community.
The Pool Shade Structure received official approval from the Division of the State Architect (DSA), clearing the path toward construction of this much-needed upgrade that will improve comfort and safety for pool users. Meanwhile, the Music Room Interior Improvements and HVAC Upgrades and the Restroom & Concession Building projects remain in DSA’s review pipeline, with the team ready to act on any comments or revisions to maintain progress. Design work is actively underway for the Science Building, Quad, and Front Entrance, with submittals to DSA planned for late September. In addition, the Gym Upgrades Project is currently under DSA review, and we are closely tracking its timeline to keep everything on schedule. As always, the project team remains focused on quality, safety, and timely delivery to support the future of El Rancho High.
June 2025
Exciting progress is underway at El Rancho High School as the modernization project moves closer to transforming key areas of the campus. This major initiative includes seven key upgrades, such as a new 15,000 sq. ft. two-story Science Building, a 1,500 sq. ft. restroom and concession facility, shaded pool bleachers, HVAC and acoustic enhancements for the music room, a revitalized outdoor learning area, refreshed quad landscaping, and a completely renovated front entrance that will welcome students and visitors with a modern look and feel.
This past month, three major components of the project took a significant step forward: plans for the Music Room Interior Improvements and HVAC upgrades, the Restroom & Concession Building, and the Pool Shade Structure were all officially submitted to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) for review. These submissions mark important milestones in the permitting phase. KYA is actively tracking DSA’s review timelines and stands ready to respond quickly to feedback to keep each project component moving forward on schedule. With each step, the vision for a reimagined El Rancho High School campus comes closer to reality!
May 2025
We’ve reached a couple of key submission milestones this past week:
Restroom & Concession Building:
The project plans for the new Restroom and Concession Building were successfully submitted to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) last week for review and approval. This submission marks a significant milestone in advancing the project to the permitting phase. We anticipate feedback from DSA within the standard review timeline and will address any comments or revisions promptly to keep the project on track.Pool Shade Structure:
The Pool Shade Structure project was also submitted to DSA last week. The proposed design will provide much-needed shade and comfort for pool users, improving the overall usability of the facility during peak sun hours. We are closely monitoring the review process and will coordinate with DSA to expedite approvals where possible.
April 2025
While construction has not yet begun at El Rancho High School, design efforts continue to move forward in collaboration with the District and project stakeholders. KYA has now completed its 10th weekly design meeting alongside the District, Architect, and Builder. Conceptual floor plans and elevations for the new 1,500 sq. ft. CMU Restroom Building adjacent to the future Football Stadium has been finalized. The design for the new Pool Shade Structure has also received full approval.
Efforts are now focused on the layout and scope of Music Room upgrades, with near-final floor plans in development for the 15,000 sq. ft., two-story Science Building. Additional planned enhancements include a refreshed campus quad and landscaping, upgraded HVAC and acoustics in the Band Room, and a full front-of-school modernization to create a more welcoming campus entrance.
While timelines remain subject to DSA review, the project is currently targeting construction activity to begin by the end of the year. In the meantime, KYA remains committed to thorough planning, ensuring a smooth transition from design to construction.
