This week, Greg Hetrick, Superintendent of the Oakley Union Elementary School District, announced that due to delays in construction, Summer Lake Elementary School will not open until the 2020-2021 School year.
The school first broke ground in October, they had originally hoped to open the school after Winter Break and move students out of Iron House School to the Summer Lake School. With the delay pushed back to after the March Break, Hetrick said there was not enough time remaining in the school year to move students.
Staff during Wednesdays School Board Meeting, stated that the District knew since January there would be a longer delay, but failed to notify parents as soon as possible. The announcement came on Wednesday.
According to the Construction Update issued for February 2020:
- Buildings are 99% complete
- Concrete 85% complete – All rebar has been installed
- Footings for Lunch Shelter being drilled today and tomorrow
- Fencing 90% complete – Last of the gates are being installed.
- Gas Manifold is being built and PG&E will connect upon completion
- Landscaping water lines are being installed
Here is a copy of the letter that was issued on February 19, 2020:
Dear Summer Lake Parents, Guardians, Family and Friends,
I write you today to deliver disappointing news about the opening of Summer Lake School. I have remained optimistic throughout the entire construction process and truly believe that Summer Lake School would be ready to be occupied during this school year. Unfortunately, we have reached a critical time in the year and the progress toward completion has suffered more delays. I am sorry to say that there are still too many necessary elements of the school that have not been completed and therefore, the opening of Summer Lake School is not going to happen this school year.
I have repeatedly stated that the number one priority is and has to be to ensure our students are able to attend a school that is first and foremost safe as well as fully equipped to support their learning. As we approach march, there is not enough time remaining in this school year and there are still a number of crucial items that must be completed. Because of this, I cannot confidently say that Summer Lake will be ready to be open after the March Break; therefore, the official opening of Summer Lake School is being postponed until the start of the 2020-2021 school year.
There are many upcoming factors that will directly affect our students as we finish this year. Student learning remains a top priority. We want to ensure a move will not disrupt student learning. Summer Lake students will participate in the upcoming Smarter Balance testing and end of year activities at Iron House.
Please know this is not the message that I want to send and I can only imagine that this is not the message you want to hear. As your Superintendent, I apologize to you and all others that have been impacted by Summer Lake School not being ready to open. There are no excuses that can change our reality that Summer Lake school has taken longer to build than anyone could have expected. As we move through the end of the school year I will continue to work closely with Principal Roberts to make sure she has everything necessary to ensure the Sumer Lake Students continue to be supported and received everything needed to be successful. The Summer Lake Motto will continue to be, “School is Where Our Students Are!”
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or by phone at (925) 625-5050. I thank you for our continued support and understanding. Working together, we do make a difference. Have a great day.
Respectfully,
Greg Hetrick
Superintendent
Oakley Union Elementary School
