As the modernization of the new Britton Middle School continues over the summer months, so does the demolition of the older buildings on campus that will eventually make way for staff parking and a dropoff/pickup zone for parents.
Beginning in late June and into the first week of July, the front set of old classrooms and administration office were turned to rubble. Meanwhile, the old auditorium at Monterey Road and West Central Avenue (where bingo is held) received a fresh coat of multi-colored paint to match the new two-story structures that will be ready for move-in prior to the first day of school in August.
Debris is all that remains from one of the old Britton Middle School buildings that are being demolitioned in replace of new state-of-the-art structures.
Britton Principal Nanette Donohue, who will be entering her second year as site leader, is excited to build off the momentum of last school term and continue to develop positive experiences for both students and staff.
“Being the site leader at Britton this past year has been such a privilege. I’m honored to work with a group of teachers and staff who care so deeply for our students and community,” Donohue said. “Over the past year, the focus on academics and social-emotional success have made a huge positive impact on Britton’s culture. Students and staff are engaged, challenged, happy and continue to show leadership in so many ways.”
Some of that staff will soon be able to set up their new classroom spaces in a pair of two-story buildings completed this summer as part of the $50 million Britton Middle School Modernization Project. Each building has two floors with six classrooms per floor and attached ancillary spaces.
“Our English, Math and History classes are moving to the newly constructed buildings and we are so very excited,” Donohue said. “These new buildings serve as a visual representation of the quality work going on at Britton. The new space reflects who we are and the pride we take in our school.”
The 22-acre middle school campus, which was originally built as Live Oak High School in 1940, sits on the northwestern edge of downtown Morgan Hill, along Monterey Road and Hale Avenue between Central Avenue and Keystone Road.
For the upcoming school year, all students will be predominantly housed in the two main classroom structures for core classes. The new science building is expected to break ground this summer and be ready for the 2020-21 school year, according to staff. A new administration building and student union will follow.
The nearly $50 million modernization project is funded through the voter-approved $198 million Measure G capital improvements bond, which has resulted in modernization upgrades at each of the district’s 13 school sites.
“We are grateful for Morgan HIll’s support in funding this important project and ensuring that we meet the academic and social-emotional needs of each of our students every day in the finest environment possible,” Donohue said. “Our staff will continue to ensure the social-emotional success of every student by adding a weekly advisory period to our schedule. …Additionally, next year Britton is adding more academic support classes to ensure that every child leaves Britton ready for high school and on track to be college and career ready.”
