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Step inside the remarkable transformation happening across Hanford Joint Union High School District campuses in this revealing conversation with district leaders Renee Creech, Lance Dowd, and Ben Stidman. Against the backdrop of steady enrollment growth while other districts struggle, HJUHSD has strategically invested millions in creating educational spaces where students genuinely want to be.
From the gleaming new tennis courts at Hanford High to the completely renovated Bowl stadium serving all schools, every improvement reflects a deeper purpose – fostering student engagement, safety, and pride. The newly air-conditioned gymnasium at Hanford High replaces the struggling swamp cooler system, while classrooms across all campuses receive targeted upgrades focused on CTE programs and hands-on learning spaces. Perhaps most significant is the district's $2 million investment in a modern, air-conditioned bus fleet that travels throughout Kings County bringing students to educational opportunities.
The podcast offers fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into facility management decisions, like the careful implementation of the gym's HVAC system to protect the newly refinished floor, and the installation of innovative Peri-Weather systems that monitor environmental conditions to keep student-athletes safe. We also explore how the district's new headquarters in the former Hanford Sentinel building has consolidated previously fragmented operations while creating a dedicated home for Hanford Online Charter School.
As fall sports seasons kick off, there's added excitement with Sierra Pacific and Hanford West now competing in the same league, giving new significance to their traditional "Clash of the Claws" rivalry games. Football, volleyball, water polo, golf, tennis, and cross country teams are all gearing up for competitive seasons with dedicated coaches and renewed facilities.
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