02 Oct WCCUSD Provides Updates on Richmond High, Kennedy, Stege Renovations

This rendering of the planned exterior of Stege Elementary, now under renovation, was shown at the Sept. 24 West Contra Costa school board meeting. (Screenshot captured by Samantha Kennedy / The CC Pulse)

By Samantha Kennedy 

Projects that will revamp the campuses at Kennedy and Richmond High and Stege Elementary schools are underway but still in the early phases. 

A quick update at the Sept. 24 West Contra Costa Unified school board meeting on the three projects showed that demolition of the sites has either started or been completed. 

“This update really stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with a shared purpose and unwavering determination,” said Melissa Payne, associate superintendent of facilities. 

At Richmond High, there have recently been “major changes,” according to Ellen Mejia Hooper, the director of district facilities. 

“We’re currently working on phase 1.1, which is supporting the new classroom building in phase 1.2,” Mejia Hooper told the board. 

Richmond High’s transformation is planned to include the construction of a new two-story classroom building and a music building. Another portion of the classroom building will be updated, according to the district. 

Construction began in September, with the district holding a groundbreaking of the site on Sept. 20. 

Changes at Kennedy are somewhat further along. 

Mejia Hooper said that structures of the 100, 200, and 500 buildings have been demolished. 

Next, she said, they will prepare for the new buildings — which include an administration and classroom building and a dining and performing arts building — by doing underground utility work. 

The board approved modernization project scopes and budgets at Kennedy and Richmond high schools in November 2023 after conducting a number of community input sessions. 

At Stege Elementary, the district will completely rebuild the campus after longstanding complaints of dangerous and environmental problems at the school. 

Mejia Hooper said they’ve already completed demolition of the site. 

“We have a cleared site,” said Mejia Hooper. “The design is moving forward quickly into the part’s final stages.” 

Community members can receive updates on the projects at the district’s website and by signing up for construction newsletters at the district’s sign-up page here.