Vista Continuation High School Modernization

Kern High School District (District) is proposing to update the existing Vista Continuation High School (VCHS) campus to enhance the learning experience and offer new and modern amenities for the student population and faculty, as well as improve the overall use of the existing property. The Project proposes to demolish the existing buildings, internal access roads, parking spaces and courtyard to construct new buildings, outdoor recreational spaces and relocate existing ballfields on the existing 15.5-acre Project site in Bakersfield, California. All proposed construction will occur on previously disturbed ground and developed campus grounds and primary access will remain on P Street The student enrollment at VCHS was 210 students in 2024. While the Project will increase the student population to approximately 440 students and up to 5 additional staff, the increase in the student and faculty population will occur over time and not immediately after construction is complete. Based on the current student population, it is anticipated that approximately 53 percent of students will be bused to the school while the remaining 47 percent will be driven and dropped off, will drive their own vehicles or will walk to school each day. The District is proposing the construction of four conventionally framed buildings for the following uses: 1) a gymnasium, 2) a multi-purpose and cafeteria building, 3) an administration building and 4) a two-story classroom building with library. Additionally, the Project will include a pre-fabricated field house/concessions building of approximately 1,334 square feet. The total combined building square footage is approximately 50,000 square feet. The Project also proposes a central outdoor courtyard, two outdoor basketball courts, adequate parking for staff, visitors, and students, drop off lanes, access and fire lanes, outdoor lighting and the relocation of three existing ballfields. The high school will incorporate the use of renewable solar energy generated by rooftop solar and/or solar panel covered parking to offset the school’s current energy demand. Project Timeline Construction of the Project would occur over a maximum of 12 to 18 months. It is anticipated that the following pieces of equipment would be used during construction activities: • Roller • Loaded trucks • Excavator • Generator • Service truck • Air compressor