Snowline Joint Unified launches 'Snowline in the works' updates on Measure J modernization projects

Snowline Joint Unified School District this month released a new video series called “Snowline in the works” that walks the community through ongoing facility modernization projects funded by Measure J. Robert Chacón, the district’s director of marketing and public relations, opened the program and framed the goals for safer, more functional school facilities.

“In the past 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to see a lot of the work that happens behind the scenes,” Chacón said, explaining the district created the series to give residents “a better window into how this work is actually unfolding.” The program emphasizes phased projects across multiple campuses and aims to show visual progress as planning and construction move forward.

The series lists site-level work at several campuses. At Serrano High School, Chacón said the district plans a new entry tower and classroom building, additional portable classrooms to accommodate students during construction, updates to the administration building, rehabilitation of classrooms and locker rooms, replacement of campus fire alarm systems and a reconfigured front parking and drop-off area to improve circulation and safety. Chacón also said Serrano’s Performing Arts Center will receive a comprehensive lighting and rigging upgrade.

At Baldy Mesa Elementary, the district is targeting restroom renovations, accessibility upgrades, playground and field improvements, fire alarm upgrades and new bus loading and drop-off areas. Chaparral High School’s work includes restroom upgrades, site improvements, replacement of campus-wide fire alarm and intercom systems and building modifications to better support current instructional needs. Pinion Hills Elementary projects include parking and drop-off upgrades to meet accessibility requirements, amphitheater improvements with a new shade structure, restroom renovations, replacement of aging HVAC units and updates to fire alarm, public address and security systems.

Chacón said additional projects are moving forward in the district and that some work will require interim solutions: “interim housing and new portable classroom buildings to support campus needs during construction,” he said, adding that longer-term improvements — such as track and field upgrades at Serrano — are intended to serve both students and the community.

The video identifies Measure J, a voter-approved bond, as the funding source for the modernization work. The transcript does not state the bond amount or provide a detailed implementation schedule.

Lisa Hansen, principal of Serrano High School, offered an on-site reaction: “I can’t tell you how excited I am to finally be getting modernization funding,” she said, adding that while construction will be disruptive, staff and students are enthusiastic about the finished facilities.

The district closed the update by reiterating that the series will continue to share visual progress and planning updates as projects move through design and bidding. The video does not announce final construction schedules or specific contract awards; those details will be released as projects advance through the district’s planning and procurement processes.