Bakersfield.com

"We are thrilled to offer this type of facility to our students and families," said Adolph Wirth, Superintendent of Vineland School District. "We can now offer our students the same opportunities as neighboring districts."

The gymnasium will measure 13,402 sq. ft. with locker and dressing rooms, restrooms, concession area, coaching offices and storage included.

Sound-proofing materials in the ceiling and on the north and south walls will aid in absorbing noise, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for activities inside.

Funded through a bond passed in May of 2007 and joint-use state funding, the facility is expected to open October 2008.

Klassen Corporation has been contracted as the design-builder of the new gymnasium. Drawings have been in development for weeks leading up to Thursday¹s groundbreaking event.

"It has been a delight to be a part of this project from design and now to construction," said Robert Blair, Vice President and Director of Architecture at Klassen Corporation. "Our construction team is ready to go and looking forward to delivering this much-needed facility to the folks of Weedpatch and the students of Sunset."

Sunset Middle School serves grades 5-8, and is located in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, 16 miles Southeast of Bakersfield. One of two schools in the Vineland School District, Sunset employs 21 certificated and 14 classified employees. The campus serves between 370-400 students every year.

Historically, the enrollment increases in April and decreases in October because of migrant student population.

Approximately 50% of students are involved in extracurricular activities that include after school sport teams, band, drill team, extended day and student council. These activities have a positive affect on the entire student body while providing recognition to those students who get involved. The staff feels that incorporating these activities is the best approach to promote an effective learning environment at Sunset Middle School.

Sunset School is widely recognized as the site which served the children of the dust bowl during the dust bowl migration.

VINELAND SCHOOL DISTRICT INFORMATION

The Vineland School District located sixteen miles Southeast of Bakersfield is a rural two School District serving approximately 850 students in an area known as Weedpatch. The School District encompasses thirty-three square miles, which is primarily an agricultural area. The District student population is 95% Hispanic with up to 97% of its students qualifying for free and reduced meals.

KLASSEN CORPORATION INFORMATION

Klassen Corporation is a family owned and operated architecture and construction firm located in Bakersfield, Californian. With over 30 years of experience, Klassen has a standing tradition of excellence in design and construction and specializes in all facets of the design-build industry.