August 20, 2013

Contact: Marla Sanchez

Communications Specialist

msanchez@campbellusd.org

Direct: 408-341-7254

Office: 408-364-4200

Blackford School renovation benefits students and community

New “net-zero” energy-efficient building is a model for others

Blackford School New Building

August, 20, 2013; Campbell, Calif.  For students, completing Blackford School’s new “net-zero” energy multi-use building means faster lunch lines and a new place for assemblies and school activities.  For everyone else, it is an appealing and energy-neutral space for community events and increased property values.

Blackford’s new multi-use building is the first of eight planned for Campbell Union School District.   Two other “grid neutral” buildings are under construction at Castlemont Elementary and Sherman Oaks Charter schools, thanks to the 2010 Measure G school bond.

These buildings will provide vibrant places for students and community members to learn, perform, exercise and celebrate achievements, while helping the District reach its goal of reducing overall District-wide energy consumption by 60 percent.   “Net-zero” means the Blackford building will use the same or less energy than it produces over the course of a year, which will reduce its energy bill to virtually zero.  The building can accommodate more than 500 people, and features a stage with a large rear-projection system, stage lighting, built-in sound system with public address, a food service area and auxiliary rooms.  The larger space and improved food service area will allow students to move through lunch lines faster, leaving them more time for eating and free play before returning to class.

Local artist’s exclusive work adds to appeal of school

Completing the building’s esthetics are several pieces of artwork created exclusively for Blackford by local artist Sonya Paz.  A San Jose-based artist, Paz has been creating and designing a broad range of artwork for many clients and organizations for more than 25 years.

She explained the themes behind her visual images:

“My art is meant to be hopeful and show optimism for a bright future,” she said.  “I created these bold pieces to inspire the students with powerful images.  My art “Root of Knowledge and Paths to Bright Futures” is meant to show students that they can dare to dream to be their own person.  I sought to design images that would strike a chord with the youth in our community and make them think about life and the long-lasting value of education.  I hope that the students are inspired to learn, do their best, and remember to always be individuals,  Paz said.

To inquire about renting the building, call 408-364-4200, or visit campbellusd.org/district/facilityuse.

Photo Opportunity: Grand Opening Celebration Wed., August 28 at 6:45 p.m.

The first official celebration in Blackford’s new building happens at Back to School Night.   Local dignitaries attending include District Board Members, San Jose Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio, Campbell Mayor Evan Low, local artist Sonya Paz, architects from Aedis Architects, and parents of the 600 students who attend Blackford School.

Blackford Elementary School, originally built in 1958, is located at 1970 Willow Street, in San Jose.  It is one of 12 schools operated by the Campbell Union School District.  Approximately 600 students attend Blackford’s Transitional Kindergarten-through-fifth-grade classes.  This construction project is part of a campus-wide renovation made possible by the 2010 Measure G school bond funds.

Campbell Union School District educates more than 7,800 students, from preschool to eighth grade.  Its 12 schools serve the communities of Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, San Jose, Santa Clara, and Saratoga.  In addition to traditional educational programs, the district offers a parent participation school, a dual language immersion school, extended-day enrichment programs and home schooling.

###