Samohi and Olympic High School Begin PCB Sampling in Advance of Modernization Projects

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has announced plans for sampling of building materials for PCBs at the technology building at Samohi, prior to planned demolition, and in all four buildings at Olympic High School, prior to planned renovation. Sampling will take place over spring break starting Monday, March 30 and will conclude by Friday, April 10.

Building materials sampling will be conducted under controlled conditions, and in general accordance with applicable sections of SMMUSD's Comprehensive PCB-Related Building Materials Inspection, Management and Removal Plan. The purpose of the sampling is to pre-characterize building materials that will be removed during planned activities so that such materials can be properly disposed of at off-site facilities during demolition and renovation.

The Samohi technology building has been replaced with a new $55 million science and technology building scheduled to open for students in August 2015. As part of the overall modernization of Samohi, the technology building, built in 1952, will be demolished to make room for a planned softball field and parking lot.

The new science and technology building features 20 new classrooms, 15 science labs and an auto shop. The technology building demolition project is planned to start in Fall 2015.

At Olympic High School, four buildings, A, B, C and D are slated for renovation and modernization starting in Fall 2015. The $5.5 million modernization project will feature a new music classroom, modernized library and computer lab.

Both the Samohi and Olympic High School projects are part of the $268 million Measure BB bond passed by Santa Monica and Malibu voters in 2006. The bond money has been utilized to upgrade technology throughout the district, increase safety and security through fire alarm upgrades and gate access improvements, and to modernize and build new facilities at multiple campuses.