Los Banos High School began its remodeling project earlier this summer.
Students, faculty, staff and visitors can expect to see construction on-site as part of a large-scale modernization plan that upgrades and refines their shared spaces and classrooms.
LBHS was built in 1964, with its doors officially opening in 1966. LBHS Principal Jason Waltman was a student there in 1989, knowing first-hand what renovations would benefit the campus.
“We built new buildings, but we haven’t done anything to the older part of the school, so this is very much needed,” Waltman said.
One notable section of the remodel includes the school’s Tiger gym. The walls and floors are getting replaced, and the boys’ locker room will see a significant renovation as well.
Before the remodel, Waltman explains that the locker rooms have “not been taken care of.” The bleachers are being updated to be more accessible.
The new bleachers will have railings that will provide an easier incline, particularly for those who may struggle up the steps.
The quad will also see a full remodel with an outdoor stage. New areas for benches and student recreation will be in place.
The older and dying trees are going to be replaced, allowing those passing through or resting in the quad to be provided with shade.
The student services building itself will be moved to the front gate, providing a single point of entry to the school.
Depending on the budget, two or three classrooms can look forward to a modernized look and upgraded equipment.
There will be replacements of the floors and walls, electrical outlets will be fixed, new workstations will be provided for teachers and classes will be fitted with new whiteboards.
Since this project is estimated to last two years, those using the campus will see some temporary changes and accommodations while construction takes place.
For the classrooms being upgraded, portable classrooms will be provided and will be cycled out per class as the remodel develops.
For physical education teachers who typically hold their offices in the Tiger Gym, they will be given mobile stations to allow them to take attendance while their office spaces remain temporarily unavailable.
If any students need to change for physical education, they will be run through the multipurpose building’s locker room to get ready.
The process of the remodel was made possible due to a grant shared with the state, giving the school around $16 to $18 million to fund the project.
Though the campus will have to adjust due to the presence of construction on-site, this project seeks to provide students, staff and faculty with a renewed experience in an educational environment.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Waltman said. He continued, “I went to high school here, and a lot of us that work in Los Banos Unified School District or Los Banos High School have ties to the school. We are all really excited about what’s gonna happen with the remodel plans.”
