The Wood Middle School Modernization and New Construction Project includes replacement of all of the existing campus buildings with the exception of the existing multipurpose building. The project also includes a new access roadway from Grand Street to Otis Drive that would provide school access, a drop-off area, parking, and access to the adjacent Rittler Park that is owned and operated by the City of Alameda. To ensure a comprehensive approach to the project, the District contracted the services of environmental consultants Brelje & Race Consulting Engineers to conduct the CEQA Initial Study (IS) and prepare a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the project.

Tonight, representatives from Brelje & Race Consulting Engineers will present the IS to provide a platform for the Board to receive public input regarding this project. In accordance with the State CEQA Guidelines, the District distributed a notice to inform agencies and interested parties that it was releasing an IS and MND. The notice was mailed to all properties within 500 feet of Wood Middle School and posted at the school site, the Niel Tam Education Center, and the State Clearinghouse.

The notice started a 30-day public review period which extends from November 3 - December 3, 2023. The IS/MND is available for public review at the Niel Tam Educational Center, 2060 Challenger Dr., Alameda, CA 94501, and online at https://www.alamedaunified.org/departments/construction/measure-b/wood-middle-school-new-construction-and-modernization.

Any comments should be directed to Shariq Khan, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, at (510) 337-7000 x77067, or emailed to construction@alamedaunified.org. Comments received during this public comment period will be addressed at the December 12, 2023 Board of Education meeting. Subsequently, pending the feedback received, the Board will also make a decision on the MND at the December 12 Board meeting.