Soquel Elementary School Plans Classroom, Restroom and Accessibility Modernization in Two Phases

SOQUEL, Santa Cruz County — October 28, 2026. Soquel Elementary School is preparing two phases of campus modernization covering classrooms, learning spaces, accessibility, restrooms and safety systems. The Soquel Union Elementary School District filed a Notice of Exemption on October 19, 2026, in California’s State Clearinghouse for the Soquel Elementary School Modernization Project Phases I and II, record 2026100661.

What does Phase I include?

The filing describes modernization of Building 1A, which houses administration, the library and classrooms. Proposed work includes new interior partitions and finishes, casework, replacement doors and windows, updated restrooms, structural changes and upgrades to plumbing, mechanical systems, power, data, lighting and fire alarms. The site plan also proposes accessible pathways, pavement work and minor storm-drain adjustments.

What would change in Phase II?

The second phase covers four kindergarten/transitional-kindergarten classrooms in Buildings 2 and 3, with updated finishes, cabinets, doors, electrical and mechanical systems. It also describes modernization of two restrooms, construction of four new restrooms, work in the multipurpose room and kitchen, a new shade structure in the kindergarten courtyard, landscaping, irrigation and a campuswide fire-alarm upgrade.

Where is the school?

The State Clearinghouse identifies the project at 2700 Porter Street, Soquel, CA 95073. Families should not assume that every building is closed or that construction has begun at once. The filing separates a design-and-agency-approval phase from a schematic-design phase, and any contractor work will require the applicable later approvals and school-site scheduling.

Does an environmental exemption mean the project is finished?

No. A Notice of Exemption records the agency’s environmental determination under the cited California Environmental Quality Act categories. It is not a final inspection, occupancy certificate or promise of a particular construction completion date. District facilities materials and bid information should be checked for later implementation updates.

How to review official plans

Parents and residents can consult the California State Clearinghouse project filing and the Soquel Union Elementary School District Measure P facilities page. The filing identifies district bond-and-facilities manager Pamela Crum, 831-464-5632, as a contact. This article reports a proposed modernization scope, not a confirmed new-school opening.

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