When students return to school after summer, they may see that more than just their peers have changed. Multiple construction projects began this summer, including work on the Bat Cave, both the administration buildings, and the football field.

The Admin-1 building, home to the staff lounge, the cafeteria, and the copy center, will be undergoing the most drastic renovations. The construction will take about one year, and the building is not expected to be in use for the majority of the 2007-2008 school year. The construction was deemed necessary because the building has not been renovated since the school was built. After the interior of the building is fully removed and re-built, it will have conference rooms, offices, and a new faculty lounge. Some of the administrative and attendance offices may also move to the Admin-1 building.

The other office building, Admin-2, which currently houses the guidance, health, attendance, and main offices, is undergoing less drastic changes. The completed work will have a new roof, and a new carpet. “I joked that the carpet was so old we should check with the Palo Alto Historical Society before we remove it,” Assistant Principal Tom Jacoubowsky said. The construction will continue into the school year, but the administration expects it to be completed in the fall.

Another major renovation occurred at the Bat Cave. “We needed a visible entrance to the school,” Likins said. To complete this idea, front boards will be taken out, and plants and a handicap entrance will be added. The Bat Cave may lose its name too – a clear top will be added to let in more light. The new roof will also allow for the area to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In addition, a pathway will be formed down the center of the area and all the tables will be split in half.

The last large construction project occurred at the football fields. All the bleachers were replaced to comply with the American Disability Act. The new design of the bleachers will also make them easier to clean.

However, the construction is running behind schedule the work started a month later than it was scheduled to. Because the cafeteria will be under renovation, the food services will operate out of the Student Activities Center. all of the food services will be moved to the Student Activities Center, and the only food available will be that which is delivered to the school, rather than made at Gunn. And because the renovations are taking place in the office buildings, some staff has had to literally work in closets while the changes occur.

Funds for the renovations did not come out of the school’s pocket, something many students were concerned about. The money was earmarked for these construction projects two years ago, the last time a bond measure was passed.

Many students are annoyed at the timing of the construction. “I wish they had started earlier, so that most of it would be finished by the first day of school,” senior Janet So said. Other students, however, don’t seem to mind as much. “I don’t really care,” said sophomore Michael Morag. “As soon as I figure out how to get around it, I probably won’t even notice.”

The administration anticipates student frustration at construction. “I think when it is done they will be pleased, but nobody likes inconvenience,” Likins said. They coordinated the timing so that most of the loud construction work has taken place over the summer, but there will be some tar smell and hammer pounding. The administration will try to coordinate with the teachers to ensure the noisiest activities will not occur during tests. “It’s the nature of the times, just bear with it as much as you can,” Jacoubowsky said