Construction for a new building on campus with amenities specific to engineering’s Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways and the robotics program is slated to begin in August 2024 and will be completed the following year. Equipped with three classrooms, an open-range fabrication shop, and multiple work areas, the building has been five years in the making.
Rheia Alschbach, Director of Planning at Poway Unified School District said the building has been specifically tailored to Westview’s needs.
“The concept for the building was born in 2019 when [former Principal Tina] Ziegler brought to our attention some space constraints with teachers and classrooms with the CTE program,” Alschbach said. “At that time [Westview’s] CTE classes and robotics were using the four portable trailers behind the school. They’re not great and we really wanted to figure out how we could help, so this project quickly became a priority for us.”
Working with architectural company Architects Mosher Drew, PUSD has been preparing to include all the proper tools and facilities needed to equip students for their learning. One specific feature of the new project is the 3,200-square-foot fabrication shop.
“We wanted to make sure, above all else, that the space was very open,” Alschbach said. “We want engineering and robotics to have their fabrication shop, making sure it’s a huge space so they can easily move equipment around. We also want a lot of windows in classrooms and some outdoor, open air areas for students to work. ”
Principal Ernie Remillard said that these classrooms were made to be flexible so they could better accommodate the students’ needs.
“[The classrooms are] meant for our CTE engineering and robotics students, but really, [they’re] flexible to whatever a teacher might need in the future and the supplies we put in will depend on the needs of our campus as well,” Remillard said.
As preparation for the project has unfolded, the allocated funding has changed drastically. In 2023, the building was estimated to cost around $7.5 million, but now, it is predicted to cost around $12 million. Funding for the construction and supplies will come directly from the Mello-Roos taxes, having no effect on the PUSD budget.
“Even amidst the district deficit, nothing has changed and it doesn’t impact our ability to use the Mello-Roos funds since the money [collected] is to ensure we can provide students with accommodations they need on campuses and build necessary infrastructure,” Alschbach said. “But, we still have to keep track and watch the budget as construction and future costs arise.”
Alschbach said that everything is prepared for August, when the construction crew will begin fencing off the area where the building will be assembled. This will cause minor traffic for students at the back of the school near the pool. It will be off-limits and under construction for the entire 2024-2025 school year.
“It’s always the hardest part trying to figure out a time that works best,” Alschbach said. “When we plan, we always have multiple conversations with the principal to make sure the impact of construction is minimized on campus. It’s difficult with these long-term projects though, because there’s not really a great time to do it, since summertime is such a short window.”
Regardless, Alschbach and Remillard said that the construction should have little effect on students’ everyday lives. The building, however, once opened, will leave a lasting impression on Westview students.
“Of course, it’ll be great for our engineering CTE courses and it’ll promote and bring a certain new energy to the program,” Remillard said. “Our robotics team will also be able to function more efficiently. But, overall, it just gives another opportunity for hands-on learning for our students across campus and facilities for real-life application, not only in the STEM field, but also art, photography, and more.”
