June 8, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Balfour Beatty, in joint venture with Clark/Sullivan, has started construction activities for Sacramento City Unified School District’s (SCUSD) new campus at the site of Edward Kemble Elementary and Cesar Chavez Intermediate school. Made possible by voter approved funding from Bond Measure H, the project is the first new school built for the District in nearly two decades which was commemorated by students, faculty and community members during a groundbreaking ceremony on June 5.

“We are so excited to be kicking off this iconic project in partnership with Clark/Sullivan, our joint-venture partner,” said Kyle Frandsen, Balfour Beatty vice president in California. “Our team can’t wait to start construction and provide students and faculty with new modernized educational spaces that will play a vital role in advancing SCUSD’s programming in the community for years to come.”

“We’ve been working with Sacramento City USD for over 18 years,” said Ted Foor, President, Clark/Sullivan Construction. “It’s been amazing to witness the district’s dedication to serving its students, staff and surrounding communities. We can’t wait to see how impactful this new campus will be and are proud to be part of the team that makes it a reality!”

The project will rebuild and combine Edward Kemble Elementary (TK-3) and Cesar Chavez Intermediate (4-6) into one visionary campus with state-of-the-art facilities that will revitalize the entire neighborhood and benefit students and families. The new campus will feature an oversized multipurpose room, a STEAM lab, a community room, several shade canopies, a U14 soccer field and an overall focus on energy efficiency and environmental conservation.

“The construction of the new Kemble/Chavez Elementary and Intermediate Schools is a direct reflection of the District’s unwavering commitment to equity and improving the outcomes of students who have been historically underserved” said Jorge A. Aguilar, Superintendent, SCUSD. “At Sac City Unified, our belief is that facilities planning is neighborhood planning and that approach is reflected in the design of this ultramodern campus. Our hope and expectation is that this new campus will change young lives and make a positive impact on the neighborhood and its families that lasts for generations.”

Construction of the new campus will replace aging facilities is part of SCUSD’s Vision Projects. The initiative focuses on each school’s research-informed and campus-specific facility improvements providing students and communities with a learning environment that meets the District’s design standards for all six “educational petals” including Learning Environments, Inquiry and Experiential Learning, Individualized Student Support, Fitness and Athletics, Safety and Security, and Dining Experience and Nutrition.

“I’m excited to have a brand-new classroom that is designed to be a great learning environment,” said a second-grade student from Edward Kemble Elementary School. “I’m excited to have new buildings with cleaner bathrooms and a bigger cafeteria. I’m excited for the other areas that will include murals, plants, and space to play. Also, having Edward Kemble and Cesar Chavez on the same campus means I will be able to see my little sister at school when she starts Kindergarten. I’m excited for all that the new school will have to offer. Together we can persevere as we wait for our brand-new school. Sí se puede!”

SDUSD’s new campus is designed by architect, Lionakis, and Kitchell serving as construction manager. Preconstruction activities are underway with an expected completion Fall 2025.