Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos.

Project Origins:
The Fillmore Unified School District completed a robust review of district facilities through a Facility Master Plan process in 2016 during which district stakeholders (students, parents, community members, and staff) provided input about facility needs. The Career Technical Education facility became a top priority for Fillmore USD as a result of the Facility Master Plan given the age of the current buildings and the needs of the programs (Transportation and Agriculture) moving forward. Additionally, the State of California announced the competitive process to fund career pathways for up to $3 Million in new construction. The Governing Board supported staff to prepare applications for each pathway, Transportation and Agriculture, with both receiving a reservation of funds for a total of $6 Million.

- The Fillmore USD Agriculture pathway is one of 70 applications approved by the State Allocation Board to receive $3 Million in reserved funds for new construction.

- Today's action has resulted in a total of $6 Million in matching funds from the State of California reserved for the new construction of the Career Technical Education Facility on the Fillmore High School campus.

The State Allocation Board took action at their meeting held today in Sacramento to approve $125 Million in projects for the fifth funding cycle of the School Facility Program Career Technical Education Facilities Program. The Office of Public School Construction received 220 applications for consideration in the fifth funding cycle of which 70 applications were selected for approval.

The Fillmore Unified School District Agriculture Pathway project was one of the 70 projects awarded resulting in an additional $3 Million of matching dollars for the construction of the new Career Technical Education Facility.

The district was previously awarded $3 Million in matching dollars in May of 2018 for the Transportation SDSR (Systems Diagnostics Service and Repair) Pathway bringing the total amount of funds for Fillmore USD to $6 Million in matching funds. The matching funds are identified for the new construction of the Career Technical Education Facility on the Fillmore High School campus. The project is currently under review by the Division of the State Architect and staff is eagerly anticipating final approval in the coming weeks. Construction on this project is anticipated to begin in the Summer/Fall of 2019. The Fillmore USD's partner in this process is the professional architectural firm of West Group Design.

Fillmore Unified was the only Ventura County school district to receive $3 Million in matching funds for new construction as part of the fifth funding cycle. District Superintendent, Dr. Adrian Palazuelos, shared, “we are especially proud of the contributions by district staff and our Agriculture Advisory in their work to complete an application that stood out at the state level in this process. The application accurately captured the current practices in our district community to support Agriculture and the compelling vision for the program’s future. The matching funds from the state and Measure V, $35 Million General Obligation Bond approved by voters in November 2016, will enable us to realize our dream for the educational facility our students deserve.”

ABOUT FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) is a preschool, TK-12, and adult education public school district located in Ventura County. Fillmore USD Is an integral part of the city of Fillmore, population 15,420, and is the area’s single largest employer. The unincorporated community of Piru, population 2,114, is located seven miles east of the city of Fillmore and is also served by the Fillmore Unified School District.

VISION Fillmore Unified School District provides a culture of high expectations where every student achieves future success.

MISSION Every day we develop high performing students who become engaged and productive members of society.

ABOUT WESTGROUP DESIGNS
Westgroup Designs (WD) is a comprehensive Planning, Architecture, Interior Design and Branding firm with locations in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. Founded in 1989, WD values passion, integrity, execution, teamwork and an enthusiasm for discovery. We specialize in educational, civic, healthcare, and commercial facilities, ranging from tenant improvement, reinvestment and renovations to new ground-up buildings and campuses. WD is forefront in the industry with its dedication to Innovative Design, Client-Focused Solutions and Reliable Service.