AUSD Notes: Jan. 9 ceremony to open new field at Alameda's Encinal High

"The field had long been in poor condition, with patchy grass that attracted flocks of geese, a beat-up dirt track and dilipidated bleachers. The new 47,000-square-foot stadium features a multisport turf field, an eight-lane track, event facilities, new bleachers, a covered press and announcer's box, a new scoreboard and stadium light system and a state-of-the-art drainage system that will help avoid puddling on the field after storms."

"The project was funded with Alameda residents' tax dollars from the city's 2022 Measure B facilities bond. We are incredibly excited to have such a beautiful stadium for Encinal students, says AUSD Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi. These students deserve an opportunity to play on a safe, modern field. Given the importance of athletics for many high school students, as well as the importance of physical education, this is a magnificent addition to the Encinal campus."

"As a board, we are so grateful to the Alameda community for supporting Measure B, says board President Ryan LaLonde, who also co-chaired the Measure B campaign. In addition to allowing us to build this incredible field, Measure B is also funding new campuses for the Wood Middle and Otis Elementary schools, a new swim center for Alameda High School and upgrades to Kofman Auditorium. Our district is entering a whole new era with the construction of these gorgeous facilities."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Encinal Junior & Senior High School's new athletic field is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 9, with music, short speeches and tours along San Francisco Bay. The previous field suffered from patchy grass that attracted geese, a beat-up dirt track and dilipidated bleachers. The new 47,000-square-foot stadium includes a multisport turf field, an eight-lane track, event facilities, new bleachers, a covered press and announcer's box, a scoreboard, stadium lights and a drainage system to prevent puddling after storms. The project was funded by the city's 2022 Measure B facilities bond. The AUSD Board has approved construction of a new Alameda High stadium in 2028 at the old Lum Elementary site, also funded by Measure B. Measure B will also finance new campuses for Wood Middle and Otis Elementary, a new Alameda High swim center and upgrades to Kofman Auditorium. Michael Kramer-Wong is the district's 2025 teacher of the year.

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