The next steps being taken on Mt. Whitney High School’s upgrade are in process. The Visalia Unified School District is working on drawing up plans to build a new administration, library, and classroom buildings. The first stage is a two-story admin/library/classroom building in currently vacant space on the campus, followed by the demolition of the current admin/classroom building and the construction of a new, single-story classroom building.
The big issue for many Mt. Whitney alumni, and other interested citizens, is the preservation of a large oak tree on the campus. It’s dedicated to the memory of “The Winningest Coach in Pioneer History”, Douglas P. Rudolf. Coach Rudolf was at Mt. Whitney from 1969 to 2012. Early presentations showed one of the new buildings sitting directly where the memorial and historic oak currently exist.
Screenshot
The District heard loud and clear from the public, as well as Whitney alumni and teachers (current and retired), that removal of the tree and memorial was not acceptable. The have adjusted their plans accordingly.
The District, in current presentations, is saying the tree and memorial will be preserved.
The other trees in the same area will probably not survive the project. One is clearly dying, if not already dead. The others may not be able to, one, survive the construction-caused disruption to the ground in the area, and two, may end up being too close to the new buildings to allow them to remain.
On the left, the memorial tree to be preserved. The others to the right are likely destined to be removed. At least one of them is dying/dead.
The Mt. Whitney High School Campus, and the planned new construction.
Final design work is being done now, and the District will be holding more public meetings to inform the public of the plans, and to take input on those designs. The District has not, as yet, determined the exact footprints of the buildings, nor their final appearance.
Current timelines have construction of the new, two-story, building beginning in June of 2028, and taking 13 months. There is no current timeline on demolition and replacement of the current admin building, but bids are expected in March of 2028.
Funding is from 2018’s Measure A, of $37 million, “other” funding of $36 million, for a total project cost of $73 million. In several years time, grant funds of $33 million will come from the State of California as part of the project. That money will go to other projects in the District. (In a confusing (to me, anyway) government shuffle, in about three years the state of California will provide funds designated for this project. Money from the bond will then be “freed up”, and be available for other projects.)
From my junior year at Mt. Whitney High School, 1974-1975. I remember that kid, but it’s hard to recognize him.
Gerald Ford is President, Harvey Milk has yet to win elected office, the fall of Saigon is imminent. Visalia’s population is 65,000. Apple Computer is a year away. 99.9% of phones have a cord.
He is 17, in serious denial, and is trying to find girls alluring. It’s not working.
Quick! I need a time machine! I need to talk to this kid!
Random thoughts, occasional rants, illuminating commentary, and an odd story now and then from the world of 9-1-1 dispatching. All this and more from a gay liberal atheist living in California’s Bible belt. I recently married, so MAGA beware! I’m your worst nightmare! Some names have been omitted to protect the innocent, but the guilty will be hung out to dry!
June, 1976 Senior Prom
Mt. Whitney High School 2026
September 30, 2026
Jim Reeves commentary, News, Personal Mt Whitney High School, visalia, VUSD Leave a comment
The next steps being taken on Mt. Whitney High School’s upgrade are in process. The Visalia Unified School District is working on drawing up plans to build a new administration, library, and classroom buildings. The first stage is a two-story admin/library/classroom building in currently vacant space on the campus, followed by the demolition of the current admin/classroom building and the construction of a new, single-story classroom building.
The big issue for many Mt. Whitney alumni, and other interested citizens, is the preservation of a large oak tree on the campus. It’s dedicated to the memory of “The Winningest Coach in Pioneer History”, Douglas P. Rudolf. Coach Rudolf was at Mt. Whitney from 1969 to 2012. Early presentations showed one of the new buildings sitting directly where the memorial and historic oak currently exist.
The District heard loud and clear from the public, as well as Whitney alumni and teachers (current and retired), that removal of the tree and memorial was not acceptable. The have adjusted their plans accordingly.
The District, in current presentations, is saying the tree and memorial will be preserved.
The other trees in the same area will probably not survive the project. One is clearly dying, if not already dead. The others may not be able to, one, survive the construction-caused disruption to the ground in the area, and two, may end up being too close to the new buildings to allow them to remain.
Final design work is being done now, and the District will be holding more public meetings to inform the public of the plans, and to take input on those designs. The District has not, as yet, determined the exact footprints of the buildings, nor their final appearance.
Current timelines have construction of the new, two-story, building beginning in June of 2028, and taking 13 months. There is no current timeline on demolition and replacement of the current admin building, but bids are expected in March of 2028.
Funding is from 2018’s Measure A, of $37 million, “other” funding of $36 million, for a total project cost of $73 million. In several years time, grant funds of $33 million will come from the State of California as part of the project. That money will go to other projects in the District. (In a confusing (to me, anyway) government shuffle, in about three years the state of California will provide funds designated for this project. Money from the bond will then be “freed up”, and be available for other projects.)
Stay tuned.
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