About 60 parents, teachers, faculty and students from Salinas High School gathered in front of the school's new, freshly-white-painted building for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 19.
During the celebration, staff and students gave speeches sharing their appreciation of the two-story structure and recognizing those involved in making the project possible.
The almost 34,000-square-foot building took two years to build. It features a new entry archway, a new student plaza, 22 new classrooms—six of which are science labs—plus staff and student restrooms.
Construction of the building finished last month and is ready for use in the 2026-27 school year.
“This is approximately 1 acre of brand-new possibility,” Principal Hugo Mariscal said in his remarks.
Soon-to-graduate senior Natalia Chavez said she is happy that her younger brother will get to experience the facility.
“I’m a little jealous that I don't get to experience the building, but I'm excited for the new students, for my friends in other grades and my brother who will be a freshman next year,” Chavez said. “It's great that students will have updated materials and a great learning environment that marks a new chapter of Salinas High.”
The $40.8 million project was funded with a combination of local and state funds. More than $5 million came from Measure B, a $128 million general obligation bond voters approved in November 2014. Almost $17 million came through Measure W, a $140 million bond approved in November 2020. Funding of $19 million was also provided through Proposition 51, which was passed in November 2019.
“These buildings are more than just wood and steel; they are an investment in our future,” said Salinas High School Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Ana Aguillon.
The architect on the project was Peartree + Belli and the general contractor was Dilbeck and Sons, both based in Salinas.
After the ceremony, attendees were able to tour the space and see the classrooms and take pictures.
“This building is beautiful and a well needed upgrade,” says Amanda Agee a parent of a sophomore and soon-to-be freshmen at Salinas High. “My husband is a Salinas High alum and was a student when all the buildings were portables back in the ’90s. The architecture and everything matches the rest of the school.”