School and community leaders gathered Tuesday, Aug. 18, to break ground on renovations coming to Cordova High School. From left are Superintendent Eric Swanson, FCUSD Board Vice President YK Chalamcherla, Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood, FCUSD Board President Jennifer Laret, Cordova High Principal Amy Strawn, FCUSD Board Clerk David Reid, FCUSD Board Member Kara Lofthouse and FCUSD Chief Operations Officer Craig Rouse. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - More than six decades after Cordova High School opened its doors, school and community leaders gathered Tuesday, Aug. 18, to break ground on a project designed to change how future generations of Lancers learn, connect and receive support.

The modernization project centers on a new two-story, 45,000-square-foot gateway building that will house administration, counseling, mental health support, college and career services and a new library. It will also add 13 classrooms and collaborative learning spaces to the campus.

The project is the first major secondary school initiative funded through Measure S, the $144 million bond approved by local voters in 2024. Construction will replace aging portions of the campus dating to 1961, with completion planned for the start of the 2027-28 school year.

Heavy demolition of the old C Wing and administration buildings is already underway.

The Cordova High drumline, directed by Kevin Sims, kicked off the Cordova High School groundbreaking festivities with a performance. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

Folsom Cordova Unified School District Board President Jennifer Laret told those gathered that the groundbreaking represented more than the construction of another school building.

“This new student services building will bring together so much of what helps the school feel like a home,” Laret said.

Campus improvements will also include a new entry plaza, reconfigured safety fencing and updated gates.

Laret thanked Rancho Cordova voters for supporting Measure S and said the investment reflected the community’s confidence in its schools.

“When you voted to invest in our schools, you placed your trust in us,” she said. “You said that our students deserve outstanding places to learn and grow.”

She also reflected on Cordova High’s history and the generations of students who have passed through the campus.

“Buildings change, campuses grow, but that familiar feeling of belonging to something bigger than yourself — that stays with you,” Laret said. “Today, we put shovels in the ground, but what we are really building is opportunity, belonging and a promise to the next generation of Cordova students.”

The modernization project centers on a new two-story, 45,000-square-foot gateway building that will house administration, counseling, mental health support, college and career services and a new library. Photo by Rick Sloan

Superintendent Eric Swanson compared the renovation of the longtime campus to restoring a classic car while incorporating modern technology.

“You want to hold onto the classic, beautiful characteristics of that school, but give it modern features,” Swanson said.

He said the project is intended to preserve Cordova High’s identity while giving students new resources as they prepare for life after graduation. Swanson said the district wants graduates to leave with dignity, agency, self-efficacy and a plan for what comes next.

“This is such a really amazing opportunity for Cordova High, but also our other secondary sites in the district,” he said.

Principal Amy Strawn said one of the project’s most significant changes will be putting services that students currently travel between buildings to access in a single location.

“When this building opens it will be a hub for our campus,” Strawn said. “Bringing all these resources together under one roof.”

The project is the first major secondary school initiative funded through Measure S, the $144 million bond approved by local voters in 2024. Photo by Rick Sloan

Strawn said the building is designed to give students and families a clear place to turn, whether they need academic guidance, college and career planning, counseling, mental health resources, administrative assistance or simply a place to learn.

She also pointed to plans to preserve existing redwood trees as an example of connecting Cordova High’s history with its future.

“There is something pretty powerful about that,” Strawn said. “Growing and changing without forgetting our roots.”

Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood said the project comes as the city continues to grow and attract technology-related development and employers.

“There’s something special about standing on this campus with as much history, pride, and getting to celebrate what comes next,” Gatewood said.

He credited residents and community members who campaigned for passage of the school bond and said investments in education will play a role in preparing Rancho Cordova’s future workforce.

The ceremony included a presentation of the colors by Cordova High School’s Junior Air Force JROTC color guard followed by the pledge of allegiance. Photo by Rick Sloan

Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume also emphasized the school’s history, noting that generations of Cordova High graduates have gone on to careers throughout the community.

“This school has served this community very well. Our Sacramento County Sheriff and the Fire Chief of our largest fire district in Sacramento County are both Lancers,” Hume said. “You think about the students who went through this school and what that produced. And now, what is this new building going to bring? Who’s going to walk through those doors, and what are they going to accomplish in life?”

The ceremony included a presentation of the colors by Cordova High School’s Junior Air Force JROTC color guard and a performance by the Cordova High drumline directed by Kevin Sims. Congressional and state recognitions on behalf of state Sen. Roger Niello, U.S. Rep. Ami Bera and Assemblymember Josh Hoover were also presented to the school and accepted by Strawn.

“We are proud of where we have been, incredibly excited about where we're going and we’re gonna lead that charge into the next chapter,” Strawn said.