Gilroy Unified School District Facilities Master Plan

Program Vision and Standards – High School Supplemental Section

(Supplement to the Board-Adopted 2017 Program Vision & Standards)
Purpose

The purpose of this 2026 Supplement is to clarify, refine, and extend the Elementary and Middle School Program Vision and Standards adopted by the District in 2017. Since adoption of the original document, instructional practices, student support needs, technology use, and expectations for equity and wellness have evolved in meaningful ways.

This supplement:

  • Affirms the continued validity of the 2017 Program Vision & Standards
  • Identifies areas where practice has materially changed since 2017
  • Establishes updated expectations to guide planning, modernization, and new construction
  • Provides a shared framework for educators, planners, designers, and decision-makers

This document is intentionally focused on clarifications and enhancements, not restatement of baseline standards.

Guiding Themes

Across all elementary and middle school environments, the following themes inform this supplement:

  • Instructional flexibility as a daily condition, not a special circumstance
  • Wellness, regulation, and mental health as foundational to learning
  • Inclusive design that supports diverse physical, sensory, and learning needs
  • Purposeful technology integration that enhances—rather than replaces—active learning
  • Equitable access to programs, spaces, and experiences across all campuses
  • Durability, adaptability, and long-term stewardship of facilities
How This Supplement Should Be Used

This document shall be used in conjunction with the 2017 Program Vision & Standards.

  • All baseline space types, sizes, adjacencies, and general design principles established in 2017 remain in effect unless explicitly clarified here.
  • Where this supplement introduces new expectations, those expectations shall inform Facilities Master Planning, Educational Specifications, modernization projects, and new construction.
  • This supplement is intended to guide districtwide consistency, while still allowing site-specific planning and stakeholder engagement during implementation.

Program-Specific Clarifications & Enhancements

1. Flexible Classrooms (Grades 9–12)

Equipment: Interactive flat panels or projection systems with HDMI and wireless connectivity; mobile teacher station with integrated document camera and USB-C/HDMI docking; classroom field amplification systems; ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi access points; climate and lighting control interfaces. Seamless integration of educational technology including AV tools, digital collaboration stations, and device-charging systems.

Finishes: High-durability, low-VOC paint in neutral and accent tones to support engagement and flexibility; acoustic ceiling panels with sound absorption ratings; resilient flooring (e.g., LVT or carpet tiles) with noise-dampening underlayment; tackable wall surfaces; writable wall sections using glass or whiteboard paint.

Furniture: Modular desks that link or separate easily; Ruckus stackable chairs for active movement; soft seating in reading or reflection corners; mobile tables for co-teaching or tutoring; mobile whiteboards, rolling storage units, and lightweight partitions to define breakout areas. Furniture should accommodate both left- and right-handed users and include inclusive design options for students with physical needs. Include calm-down zones and sensory-aware furniture to support neurodiverse learners. Furniture should be mobile, flexible, including powered options and cable management to support technology integration and reduce visual clutter.

Activities:
  • Direct instruction (lectures, demonstrations)
  • Collaborative group work
  • One-on-one tutoring or teacher conferencing
  • Peer-to-peer teaching
  • Independent reading or journaling
  • Online research or digital assignments
  • Presentation and public speaking practice
  • Small group discussion circles
  • Flexible testing or assessment zones
  • Maker-style classroom projects

Design Objectives: Support differentiated instruction strategies including whole-group, small-group, and one-on-one configurations; enable quick transformation between lecture, collaboration, and quiet work modes; foster inclusivity through ergonomic, accessible design. Include calm-down zones and sensory-friendly layouts for all students. Environments should be project-based learning ready, and support student movement and exploration. Ensure inclusive access for all students, including those with disabilities and diverse learning needs, across general and specialized classrooms.

Organization: Room organization shall allow a clear line of sight from all student stations to instructional zones; power and charging access distributed equitably; furniture arranged to promote circulation, flexibility, and instructional adaptability; integrate natural light and views with glare control.