Modesto City Schools kicked off the 2026–2027 school year by celebrating major campus modernizations at three campuses, made possible through local community bond investments. Led by Superintendent Dr. Vanessa Buitrago, district administrators, site principals, and the MCS Board of Education held ribbon-cutting and open house events that marked a new chapter of safe, modern, and inspiring learning environments across our district.
Campus Transformation Highlights
Franklin Elementary School (August 17, 2026)
Funded by Measures D & E, Franklin unveiled a new 10,000+ sq. ft. multipurpose
building featuring a kitchen, cafeteria, music room, and stage. The site upgrade also includes a new 2,721 sq. ft. administration building, outdoor shade structures, refreshed play courts, perimeter security fencing with electronic access, 216 parking spaces, and an outdoor stage. Three additional new classrooms are scheduled for completion in December.
Elliott Alternative Education Center (August 18, 2026)
Made possible through Measure L, Elliott celebrated the opening of a new 7,200-square-foot multipurpose facility that can accommodate up to 564 people for assemblies or 263 diners. The project also strengthens hands-on learning and career technical education opportunities with a new 5,280-square-foot shop building featuring workshop areas, project assembly space, and tool storage. Additional enhancements include a dedicated metal work structure, outdoor shade areas, and updated restroom facilities.
Orville Wright Elementary School (August 28, 2026)
Supported by Measures D and E, Orville Wright Elementary celebrated a new 3,677-square-foot multipurpose facility that includes a cafeteria, kitchen, music room, stage platform, and assembly space for up to 526 people. The modernization project also transformed the former cafeteria into a 3,158-square-foot administration wing, added a 2,107-square-foot shade structure, installed new volleyball courts and a ball wall, upgraded security fencing, and improved the student drop-off area to enhance safety and convenience for families.
Investing in Our Students & CommunityAs MCS celebrates these important improvements, planning continues to ensure our high school students have access to modern, safe, and career-ready learning environments. Measure K, which will appear on the November 2026 ballot, would provide $250 million in locally controlled funding to upgrade aging high school facilities, classrooms, science labs, technology, and career technical education spaces while extending the current bond tax rate rather than increasing it. Learn more at: https://www.mcs4kids.com/page/high-school-bond-measure-k.