When Bay Farm School students and staff arrived at school on Aug. 14, they discovered the campus had been transformed by the addition of a spacious, light-filled classroom building and outdoor learning spaces.

The 4,000-square foot building, which replaces four aged portables, houses four classrooms. Key features of the classrooms include:

• Windows that provide both natural daylight and ventilation
• Independent HVAC systems for heating and cooling
• Flexible furniture that can be reconfigured depending on instructional needs (e.g., small groups, large groups, or work in pairs)

We cannot emphasize enough how important instructional spaces are to staff’s ability to teach and students’ ability to learn — AUSD Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi

Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) chose materials that were cost-effective and sustainable, including wood framing, linoleum floor tiling, paints and coatings with low levels of toxic volatile organic compounds, and metal roofing. In addition, the new building provides an outdoor teaching patio and landscaped courtyard, both of which can be used for outdoor learning by groups of various sizes.

“We cannot emphasize enough how important instructional spaces are to staff’s ability to teach and students’ ability to learn,” said Alameda Unified School District Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi in a statement. “Light-filled classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and up-to-date educational technology are key to keeping students engaged, focused, and thriving.”

A key consideration during the design process was the poor soil at the site. Designers mitigated this loose soil, which can be a risk factor in earthquakes, by using deep pier foundations that anchor the building into bedrock. In addition, a concrete apron around the building extends the foundation. This will prevent settlement on the walkways around the building.

The building was designed by QKA, built by Lathrop Construction, and funded by the Measure I Facilities Bond, which voters approved in 2014.

“We are grateful that the community of Alameda supported Measure I, which has brought so many improvements to our school campuses,” said Alameda Unified School Board President Heather Little. “It is thrilling to see these projects open for use by students and staff.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the building was held on August 11 as part of Bay Farm School’s back-to-school community gathering.

Bay Farm School will not have sixth-grade classes for the 2023-2024 school year. At its Feb. 14 meeting, the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education voted, 4-1, to phase out the middle school program at Bay Farm School (BFS). According to the phase out plan, BFS will only offer kindergarten through fifth grade after the 2024-25 school year. Current seventh and eighth graders will be able to complete middle school at BFS during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years.