Architects present McKinley Elementary modernization plan; district to move to DSA review
June 24, 2026 | Central Unified, School Districts, California
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Darden Architects on June 23 presented a multi‑phase modernization plan for McKinley Elementary to the Central Unified Board of Trustees, outlining HVAC replacement, lighting and fire‑alarm upgrades, roofing, accessibility repairs, interior classroom renovations and a refreshed multipurpose room.
"We're establishing a new front door for the campus" at the building slated to become the administration and main reception, Mike Fennessy of Darden said, describing a relocated office facing the parking lot and a covered walkway to provide shade for students waiting for buses. The architects emphasized that work will not include recent restroom modernizations, landscaping/turf or the portable classrooms.
Corey, the project’s interior lead, described updated classroom finishes, dedicated teaching walls, mobile bookcases in the library and water bottle filling stations: "We really consider the library an extension of the classroom," she said, adding that flexible furniture and teaching walls will allow the library to serve as presentation and overflow space.
Joel Hernandez, project lead, said the district will submit construction documents to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) in August; DSA review typically takes two to three months, after which bidding and phased construction would begin. Architects estimated an 18‑month construction span once work is phased to maintain campus operations; interim portables will be brought in as needed for housing students while wings are renovated.
Funding and scope: The modernization is funded primarily by the district’s bond program (the board discussed a $100 million bond allocation spread across several projects) and the district intends to seek state matching funds when available; administrators cautioned the match may arrive years later and cannot be relied on for near‑term scope expansion such as major landscaping. Trustees were told the bond and current budget allow a limited set of modernization tasks now, and that state matching funds will be pursued when feasible.
Why it matters: The modernization addresses aging systems and accessibility gaps at a school built in 1951 and last modernized substantially in 1988. Trustees asked about timeline, how students will be housed during construction and whether the project could include additional landscaping; architects and staff said housing will be phased and that landscaping was not part of the current funded scope but could be reconsidered if future funds arrive.
What’s next: Administration will return updates as the project advances through DSA review and bidding; trustees asked for milestone updates and a clearer timeline once DSA comments are received.
"We're establishing a new front door for the campus" at the building slated to become the administration and main reception, Mike Fennessy of Darden said, describing a relocated office facing the parking lot and a covered walkway to provide shade for students waiting for buses. The architects emphasized that work will not include recent restroom modernizations, landscaping/turf or the portable classrooms.
Corey, the project’s interior lead, described updated classroom finishes, dedicated teaching walls, mobile bookcases in the library and water bottle filling stations: "We really consider the library an extension of the classroom," she said, adding that flexible furniture and teaching walls will allow the library to serve as presentation and overflow space.
Joel Hernandez, project lead, said the district will submit construction documents to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) in August; DSA review typically takes two to three months, after which bidding and phased construction would begin. Architects estimated an 18‑month construction span once work is phased to maintain campus operations; interim portables will be brought in as needed for housing students while wings are renovated.
Funding and scope: The modernization is funded primarily by the district’s bond program (the board discussed a $100 million bond allocation spread across several projects) and the district intends to seek state matching funds when available; administrators cautioned the match may arrive years later and cannot be relied on for near‑term scope expansion such as major landscaping. Trustees were told the bond and current budget allow a limited set of modernization tasks now, and that state matching funds will be pursued when feasible.
Why it matters: The modernization addresses aging systems and accessibility gaps at a school built in 1951 and last modernized substantially in 1988. Trustees asked about timeline, how students will be housed during construction and whether the project could include additional landscaping; architects and staff said housing will be phased and that landscaping was not part of the current funded scope but could be reconsidered if future funds arrive.
What’s next: Administration will return updates as the project advances through DSA review and bidding; trustees asked for milestone updates and a clearer timeline once DSA comments are received.
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