The construction of an addition to the 1000 academic building, demanded by an incredible number of new students arriving in San Ramon, is disrupting Dougherty’s day-to-day operations.

Construction’s disruption of classroom life was emphasized during the recent application of tar to the roof of the new supplemental structure. Teachers in the 1000 building, in an effort to prevent noxious fumes from entering their rooms, were forced to keep their windows closed at all times, as well as shut down air conditioning units in the hot September weather.

The classroom of English 10 teacher Mrs. Faria (1207) is separated from the ruckus of construction only by one thin, sound-conductive wall. A few minutes inside is inevitably accompanied by loud thudding and drilling noises. An entire class period becomes an exercise in patience and yelling, where silence becomes a respite, not a tension waiting to be broken. Still, Mrs. Susannah Faria copes with grace. When pressed for a comment on the disruptive conditions, she simply cites a favorite platitude, stating that, “we’re only here on a visit.”

So is the construction company, which is due to finish by the 2016-2017 school year.  

The noise permeates the entire 1000 building, but perhaps more vocal is the enigmatic question of which department gets the extra space. The 1000 building generally contains English and history classes, but given the student body’s perceived propensity towards STEM classes, the answer is up in the air. Science? Math? Perhaps the under-served CompSci classes, given the recent ejection of all freshmen and sophomores from prerequisite VS.NET? Perhaps a more equal distribution of classes, brought about by fierce debate?

As it turns out, there are no bitter interdepartmental feuds over classroom space to be found. No surprise comes to mind when Facilities Director and new Assistant Principal Megan Moilanen finally answers the question: the addendum to the 1000 building will contain science classes.

Since science classes must have their own special rooms with lab space, the addition will surely alleviate a good deal of stress on staff and students alike.

In its ninth year of existence, Dougherty Valley has reached a record high population density, with an estimated student body approaching 2,800 people and a projected growth of 100 a year, due to a significant amount of students flocking toward the city of San Ramon. Even with over 20 new teachers hired this year, Dougherty is under a lot of pressure. Several teachers across all departments (including math teacher Colin O’Haire, health teacher Julie Arotzarena and science teachers Jesse Padilla and Ethan Schnell) have taken on six, instead of the usual five, classes.

Until then, construction continues on the life science and career tech rooms on campus; construction is currently on deadline, as long as winter weather permits.