The 2025-26 school year is nearing its conclusion inside the classroom. However, outside the classroom, there’s plenty of activity at Denair Unified School District.

The DUSD Board of Trustees on Thursday received an update from Juan Barroso and Noah Jamison of Valley Construction Services, Inc., on the status of Measure Z projects. 

According to Barroso, construction of the new kitchen and installation of a new HVAC system within the Denair Elementary Charter Academy gymnasium is approximately halfway completed and is expected to be finished on time (Aug. 11, 2026) and under budget ($4,576,543).

Meanwhile, the bidding process for construction of two new classroom wings at DECA will begin this summer, with building expected to get underway in September and be completed by December 2027. The project to convert DECA’s existing cafeteria into administration offices and a library is on a similar timeline: it will be put out to bid this summer, with construction expected to begin in September and a target completion date of May 2027.

Measure Z is the $34.3 million bond measure that was overwhelmingly passed by Denair voters in November 2024 to address repairs and upgrades of school infrastructure. Other planned improvements include creating drop-off/pick-up and bus zones on Madera Avenue and making DECA a single-point entry campus.

“It really has been great to have Juan and his team in our corner,” said DUSD Superintendent Terry Metzger, Ed.D. “It has been so beneficial to bring on a construction manager to help our staff carry such a heavy load.”

In other matters Thursday:

• The board voted to accept the completion of the Denair High School gymnasium re-roofing project. Logan Esqueda, project manager for Garland Design-Build Solutions, Inc., gave a presentation on the work, which included removal and replacement of the existing roofing system and associated sheet metal, and waterproofing improvements to ensure long-term durability.

• A 10-year facilities-use and donation agreement between DUSD and Denair Youth Football was approved. Under the agreement, DYF will donate, fund and coordinate the replacement and installation of the football stadium sound system and LED lighting – at no cost to DUSD. The district will assume responsibility for maintenance upon completion.

• The adoption of Amplify Desmos as the district’s mathematics curriculum was approved by the board, as was the purchase of Amplify Desmos materials, licenses, and associated resources. DUSD will begin implementing the new curriculum in the upcoming school year.

• The trustees approved the purchase, delivery, and installation for playground equipment at three separate, age-appropriate play areas on the DECA campus.

• The board voted to extend the term of employment agreement by two years – through June 30, 2030 – for Superintendent Metzger.

• Denair FFA advisors Roger Christianson and Melinda Rohn updated the board on a $100,000 beautification project at Jack Lytton Stadium. The focal point will be “Denair” spelled in block letters and “Coyotes” in script, accented with seasonal purple flowers such as pansies, violas, vincas, and verbena. The project will be grant-funded.

• Erica Prock delivered an end-of-year report on the Denair Elementary State Preschool, highlighting improvements made throughout the year and registration for the 2026-2027 school year, which is already at capacity.

Classified Employee of the Month – Kathy Wade has served as the principal’s secretary at Denair Middle School. “For me, Kathy is more than a secretary,” said DMS Principal Gabriela Sarmiento. “She’s a rock that I depend upon and trust. She provides a system of support that allows me to focus on the bigger picture.”
Wade is a graduate of Denair High School and the mother of two DHS graduates.

State Seal of Biliteracy – Emma Sarmiento, Denair High’s valedictorian for the Class of 2026, earned the State Seal of Biliteracy. “This recognition honors those who have demonstrated proficiency in English receiving a 3.0 or higher across English courses during their high school career as well as proficiency in a second language,” said DHS Principal Breanne Aguiar. “Emma’s dedication and perseverance highlight academic excellence, the value of multilingualism, as well as cultural awareness.”

Student board member recognition – Senior Dakota Shaw finished her term as a student board member. “Dakota served as an advocate for all students,” said Board of Trustees chair Billy Myers.

Introducing: Starr! – New DECA mascot Starr, the kid sister of fan favorite Cosmo the Coyote, was officially introduced to the board. “Starr, like DECA students, is curious and full of potential and excited to learn,” said DECA Learning Director Roxi Lagos. “And she is starting out in the exact same place as our DECA students.”

Retirements

• Lori Cole began a 27-year career with DUSD in September 1999. She first served as a fourth-grade teacher, and most recently was K-5 intervention specialist. “She has shown tremendous kindness, patience, and support to others throughout her career,” said Lagos, speaking on behalf of DECA Principal Crystal Sousa. “I know I am not the only person whose work and confidence she has strengthened.”
• Sally Baker was completing her internship hours at DHS and was offered a job as a high school counselor in 2007. Four years later, she transferred to DCA, where she is the only academic counselor on site. “Through her years of service, she has supported thousands of students through academic, career, and college counseling, making a tremendous impact on their lives,” said DCA Principal Jamie Peco. “She leads with a heart of service.”
• Patricia Guillen began her tenure at DUSD in 2005, dedicating a decade in various classified positions before stepping into her own classroom. In 2015, she found her home at DMS. “She’s been a pillar of consistency for our students and staff alike,” said Sarmiento.