Innovative Design for Optimal Learning:
Each classroom spans over 1,200 square feet, integrating learning spaces, a bathroom, and teacher workspace. Highlights of these purpose-built environments include:
- TK/K-friendly sinks and wet areas.
- Interactive learning walls featuring whiteboards.
- Clerestory windows with motorized shades, ensuring abundant natural light and ventilation.
- Open beam ceilings and rubberized flooring to enhance classroom acoustics.
- Secure playgrounds and safety fencing, affirming our dedication to student safety.
Innovations such as passive solar design and the readiness for future solar installations underscore our dedication to sustainability and creating learning spaces that are both functional and environmentally conscious.
A Commitment to Future Generations:
Superintendent Deb Kubin expressed gratitude for the community’s support, emphasizing that the voter-approved Measure A Facilities Bond made the construction possible. “These classrooms symbolize our community’s promise to nurture the success and well-being of our future generations. We are eager to witness the transformative impact these learning spaces will have on our students and the broader community.”
In Attendance:
Ukiah Unified was honored to have several distinguished community members attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Among them were our dedicated Board members, Bea Arkin, Zoey Fernandez, Carolyn Johnson, and Fred Keplinger, who continue to champion our district’s mission.
We were also joined by Ukiah Mayor Josefina Duenas, whose leadership and support are invaluable to our community. We were also pleased to welcome Nicole Glentzer, the MCOE Superintendent of Schools, along with Becky Burford and Lisa Rantala, the Presidents of UTA and CSEA, respectively. Their advocacy for our educators and staff helps drive our district forward.
Our appreciation extends to Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee members – Liz Doresy, Heidi Hernandez, and Cici Winger – for their continued oversight and commitment to ensuring our expenditure of Measure A funds aligns with its intended use.
We were particularly grateful for the presence of parents from Nokomis Elementary, including Melissa and Nick Smilgys, Maricela Sanchez Ornelas De Pizeno, Maria Oriz Garcia, Makeba Dickerson, and Connie Caballero, who represent the strong partnership between our schools and families.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony also recognized the incredible efforts of the design-and-build team that brought the new classrooms to life. Gabe Sherman, our Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation, introduced and extended heartfelt thanks to Brandon Gentry of GCCI and Kevin Chapin from Quattrocchi Kwok Architects. Their vision and expertise were instrumental in making this project a reality.
In addition, we want to express our gratitude to the many contractors and staff from FRB and Counterpoint Construction for their dedication and hard work in completing this project. Their commitment to quality and excellence has given our students a beautiful and functional new space to learn and grow.