Q: What is the purpose of the construction projects?

A: The projects are designed to give Grant students the spaces they need to learn and thrive: new classrooms to replace old portables, modernized facilities, flexible indoor and outdoor learning areas, and a refreshed historic campus. Together, these upgrades will support safe, collaborative, and inspiring learning for years to come.

Q: When will the construction be finished?

A: Construction is happening in phases through August 2027, with new spaces opening along the way. For example, the historic courtyard is scheduled for completion in October 2025, and the new library will open by August 2026. Families will be updated regularly as each milestone is reached.

Q: Will the school remain open during construction?

A: Yes. The school will remain open throughout construction, and every effort is being made to minimize disruption to daily learning.

Q: Who is managing the construction?

A: The work is overseen by Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s (SMMUSD) Facilities Improvement Projects division in partnership with Erickson Hall Construction, and the Construction Manager, Norman Raymundo.

Q: How will student and staff safety be ensured during construction?

A: Safety is our highest priority. All workers who may come into contact with students are fingerprinted and undergo a background check in compliance with California law. This process includes:

• • Fingerprinting every worker who may interact with students, including subcontractors.
  • Submission of fingerprints to the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a complete criminal records check.
  • Maintaining an up-to-date roster of all cleared workers, which is reviewed and updated as staffing changes occur.

In addition, construction areas are fully fenced and inaccessible to students, so most workers remain entirely separate from the school community. The District monitors site operations daily to ensure the campus remains safe.

Q: How are students separated from construction areas?

A: Secure fencing, locked gates, and clear signage keep school areas and construction zones fully separate at all times.

Q: How will emergency access be maintained?

A: Emergency routes will remain open at all times. The District and construction team monitor site operations to ensure access for fire, medical, and safety services.

Q: Will school hours or the calendar change?

A: No. Classes will follow the regular school calendar and daily schedule.

Q: Will drop-off and pick-up be affected?

A: Most construction is in the middle and rear of campus, so front drop-off and pick-up routines will continue as usual. At times, there may be temporary adjustments at the rear of the school. Families will be notified in advance with maps and instructions.

Q: Will bus routes change?

A: No. Current bus routes will remain in place. Any adjustments will be communicated immediately.

Q: Will playgrounds or outdoor areas close?

A: Some areas may be temporarily closed for safety, but students will continue to have access to safe, supervised play and physical activity spaces.

Q: How will noise and dust be managed?

A: Many of the most disruptive activities, including hazardous material abatement, demolition, underground utility work near classrooms, and major grading, were scheduled during the summer when students were not on campus. Going forward, the construction team will continue to plan activities carefully to minimize disruption to learning. This includes scheduling particularly noisy or disruptive work on weekends, school holidays, or outside of sensitive school events whenever possible.

We are also committed to being good neighbors. Construction hours follow the City of Santa Monica’s permitted schedule: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Saturday, and no work on Sundays or designated holidays.

Dust is controlled through regular watering of the site, screened fencing, and regular cleaning by the construction team.

Q: How will learning be protected during construction?

A: District and school leaders are coordinating closely with the construction team to schedule disruptive work outside of class time whenever possible. The goal is to maintain quiet and comfortable classrooms.

Q: Will technology be affected?

A: No. Wi-Fi and classroom technology will remain online. Any necessary outages will be scheduled outside of school hours whenever possible.

Q: Will the cafeteria and library stay open?

A: Yes. The cafeteria remains open for breakfast, lunch, and after-school activities. The library has been temporarily relocated and is available for students until the renovated library opens in 2026.

A: The modernization project will bring several exciting new learning and play spaces to Grant, including:

• • A new two-story classroom building with seven modern classrooms, rooftop learning areas, and the removal of aging portables. A new large play structure will also be added for student use.
  • A renovated library media center with a maker space and two outdoor courtyards designed for reading, collaboration, and creativity.
  • A renewed historic courtyard with new pathways, landscaping, and the preservation of beloved heritage trees.
  • New TK classrooms and a dedicated play yard, which are already open and in use.

Q: How will students benefit long-term?

A: Students will enjoy modern, flexible spaces designed for 21st-century learning. These facilities will support creativity, collaboration, and hands-on exploration, enriching the Grant experience for years to come.

Q: How will families be kept informed?

A: Updates will be shared through school emails, newsletters, the school and District websites, and social media.

Q: Will we receive progress updates?

A: Yes. Families will receive at least one update per month, with photos and timelines.

Q: Who can parents contact with questions?

A: Please reach out to Grant Principal Christian Fuhrer at cfuhrer@smmusd.org or SMMUSD Deputy Bond Program Manager Kevin Klaus at kklaus@smmusd.org.

Q: How is the project funded?

A: The work is funded by Measure QS, a school bond approved by local voters in November 2024.

Q: How is the budget monitored?

A: The District works closely with the construction manager to track spending. Budget and progress reports are reviewed regularly to ensure accountability. The Measure QS Bond Oversight Committee will review all expenditures.

Q: When will students and staff start using the new spaces?

• A: New facilities will open in phases:
  • TK classrooms, restrooms, and play yard: Already open.
  • Historic Courtyard: Projected October 2025.
  • Library media center, maker space, and courtyards: Projected August 2026.
  • New classroom building and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics Deck: Projected January 2027.

Q: Will there be ribbon-cuttings or community events?

A: Yes. We are scheduling a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the TK classrooms and historic garden, as well as a groundbreaking ceremony for the new classroom building, in October 2025. Families and community members will be invited to celebrate and tour the new spaces as each project is completed.