July 2026

Welcome to the July 2026 Construction Update! We hope summer is in full swing for you and your family, as it certainly is from our side of the fence, with plenty of work ahead from now to August. With a good portion of the summer behind us, we are pleased to report that the construction project continues to roll along smoothly, as we work toward completing the project in September. Construction activity planned for the month of July is detailed below:

• Complete furniture installation for all Phase IV areas 
• Complete improvement & remodel to central courtyard 
• Ongoing work in specific areas of Phase V classrooms: Trades, Welding, Manufacturing & Collision
• Continue work on intercom and fire alarm system upgrades
• Complete bus loop repaving and restriping
• Renovations to Transitions program area

There are exciting changes coming to the campus, and we sincerely appreciate your patience as we work through the end of this project. Note that the school, and parts of the grounds, are still an active construction site. Thus, for the safety of everyone, we ask that you avoid coming to the campus unless absolutely necessary. The Boulder Valley School District is extremely grateful for the support given to us by the voters, and we strive to be good stewards in providing the best academic environments possible to support our students.

June 2026

Welcome to the June 2026 Construction Update for the Arapahoe Campus! With school officially over for the year and students and staff off for a well-earned summer break, construction at the Arapahoe Campus continues in earnest with Phase IV wrapping up and Phase V underway. These two phases are focusing on renovating spaces for Apex, to support new programs and provide updates for existing ones. Phase IV construction has remodeled existing space to house Computer Science, Aerospace/Aviation, and Video Production. The renovations also included a new commons area for students and a reimagined outdoor courtyard for both learning and socializing. The courtyard features a shade structure that will also double as support for a photovoltaic array. This array complements another array that was installed at the main entrance. Together they will produce 40 kW. 

The final phase of the project will include renovations to existing Construction Trades, Auto Collision and Welding spaces and new spaces for Modern Manufacturing, Aviation and Optical Engineering. The entire project is on schedule to be completed in the fall of 2026.   

To allow the contractor to make the most of the summer “down time” the school building, along with select spots around the campus, are off limits to anyone besides construction personnel. This will be the case for the duration of the summer. Below is an overview of the construction activities that will be taking place throughout the Arapahoe Campus during the month of June:

• Complete punch list items on Phase IV work throughout the site
• Continue demo and begin remodel of classroom spaces such as Building Trades through Welding
• Complete demo and begin upgrades to the Auto/Collision areas
• New addition (Student Commons expansion) completed in mid June
• Repaving of north parking lot/drop off area

While some areas of the surrounding campus are accessible to the public, we ask that you and your students avoid coming to the school building itself unless specifically authorized to do so. We are very excited about the changes in store for the various programs housed on the Arapahoe Campus and sincerely appreciate your patience and support as we work our way through this busy summer of construction.  We hope you are having a wonderful and relaxing start to your summer break!

January 2026

Welcome to the January Construction Update for the Arapahoe Campus!  We hope this message finds you well and that you and your family had a wonderful holiday season. A lot of activity has taken place on the Arapahoe Campus during the past couple of weeks, both inside and outside of the school. This month, students and staff returned to a transformed main entrance, remodeled APEX administrative suite, and renovated classrooms on the first floor of the northeast wing which will house the Biomedical, Exercise Science, EMT, and Criminal Justice programs. Active construction has moved into the former Biomedical, EMT, Exercise Science, and Criminal Justice areas, as well as the former APEX administrative offices. These spaces will be remodeled to house Computer Science, Aerospace/Aviation, and Video Production. This next phase of construction will also include a new addition which will house a common area for students, as well as renovating the outdoor courtyard space. Construction will continue in these areas until May. The final phase of the project will include renovations to existing Construction Trades, Auto Collision and Welding spaces and new spaces for Quantum Manufacturing and Optical Engineering. The entire project is on schedule to be completed in the fall of 2026. 

With the shift in location of active construction, circulation in the school has changed. Students will need to be attentive to and follow all pertinent construction signage and wayfinding instructions on campus.

Read more about the January project update here

October 2025

Welcome to the October Construction Update for the Arapahoe Campus! Phase III of the project is moving along smoothly and is well over half-way complete. Work inside the school during this phase is happening in the admin suite, main entry lobby, and the rooms across the corridor where spaces for BioMed, Physical Therapy/Sports Medicine, Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Tech will be created. Outside the school, the front entrance is getting a large-scale makeover. 

Students and staff have adjusted to some rerouting on the site while this work continues, and we appreciate their patience and support as it certainly helps the project move along in a predictable and uninterrupted manner. Please be reminded that this project will be ongoing throughout the 2025-26 school year, and through the summer of 2026. Activity planned for the month of October is outlined below:

Interior Phase III

• Complete drywall installation throughout the spaces
• Prime and first coat of paint
• Install steel at main staircase
• Install ceiling grid and begin installation of ceiling tiles
• Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing trim out
• New front entry storefront installation completed

Exterior Phase III

• Backfill foundation wall at remodeled exterior entrance
• Complete grade beams at exterior entrance
• Excavate for monument sign, install conduit to the site
• Install steel railings at the entrance
• Complete monument sign footer and wall

Read more about the October project update here

September 2025

Welcome to the September Construction Update for the Arapahoe Campus! Phases I and II of this two year project are now substantially completed. Phase III is fully underway in the first floor areas of future APEX classrooms and offices. Note that this project will be ongoing throughout the 2025-26 school year, and through the summer of 2026, and that we will be continuing these monthly communications throughout the duration of the project. There is a substantial amount of activity happening both inside and outside of the campus currently. Please see below for specific details on the work taking place during the month of September:

Interior Phase III

• Complete all plumbing inspections in new office and classroom areas
• Complete installation of wall backing in all new classrooms 
• Begin installation of drywall and rough finish in all classrooms and offices
• Infill steel and pourback at main stairs inside entrance

Exterior Phase III

• Install underground mechanical/electrical/plumbing at entrance
• Complete grading and installation of walls and pilasters

Read more about the September project update here

August 2025

Welcome to the August Construction Update for the Arapahoe Campus! We are extremely excited to report that Phase 2 (of 5) of the 2022 Bond construction project is now substantially complete. Though we are just completing the first summer of a two year project, we are so appreciative of the staff, students and Arapahoe Campus community for their patience and flexibility during this disruptive time. Here are some of the exciting changes students will return to this month:

• New classrooms, offices and conference rooms for Arapahoe Ridge High School
• New interior and exterior windows to bring natural light to areas without it
• New counseling spaces for Apex students
• New classrooms for the Teacher Academy
• Newly renovated spaces for Boulder Universal
• New Criminal Justice, Behavioral Health, and Emergency Medical Technician areas have been completed, including an outdoor learning patio and will be available in January. (Access to the space is currently restricted due to other construction.)

With the substantial completion of these areas, crews have moved on to the next phase of the project which will include a major renovation to the front entry and Apex administration area as well as renovations to the first floor to create spaces for BioMed, Physical Therapy/Sports Medicine, Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Tech.

Read more about the August project update here

July 2025

Welcome to the July Construction Update for the Arapahoe Campus! We have passed the halfway point for the first summer of construction--plenty of work has been completed, with more to come. Construction crews are well on their way to being ready for students to return in August. Work to be completed this month is outlined below:

• Complete courtyard landscaping and sod installation
• Complete final paint and hanging of doors in new Level 2 spaces
• Complete build-out of fire pump room and fire line install 
• Final paint, carpet, and rail install at Boulder Universal room
• Complete all items in ARHS areas A & B, including final paint and begin to address final task list items
• Complete final tasks in new multi and single bathroom, ARHS area, Level 2
• Complete window in Level 2 corridor, ARHS area
• Complete framing, walls, overhead doors and landscaping at mechanical room

We are very excited about the work that has been done so far at the Arapahoe Campus, and we believe you will be too! As always, we thank you for your support in making this project possible. We hope you continue to have a wonderful summer vacation!

Read more about the July project update here

June 2025

Welcome to the June Construction Update for the Arapahoe Campus! With school officially over for the year and the students and staff off for a well-earned summer break, construction at the Arapahoe Campus has ramped up considerably from the work being done in the past few months. As a reminder, this project kicked off in March and will be ongoing throughout the site up through August of 2026. Taking advantage of the summer “down time” at a school is of utmost importance in a multi-phased project like this and both BVSD and FCI Constructors have put in place a plan to ensure this time is maximized before students return to school in mid-August. As such, the entire building, along with most of the surrounding campus, is off limits to anyone besides construction related personnel as work is taking place at several locations throughout the campus.       

Below is an overview of the construction activities that will be taking place during the month of June:

• Complete final clean and wrap up tasks on Level 1 and 2 of the Phase 1 work area (former child care location)
• Begin and complete courtyard improvements, including pouring of concrete & striping, ornamental fencing, irrigation repairs, landscape covering & boulder placement
• Complete all activities in new fire pump room and begin final build-out of this room
• Complete fire line installation to the above room
• Complete carpet tile installation at former IT area along with framing a drywall installation in a few select areas of this space
• Begin and complete work on second floor of ARHS Phase 2 area, new window openings to outside, select classroom demo, layout and bathroom remodel
• Complete installation of corridor windows at ARHS area 2, level 2
• Complete abatement at the former cosmetology area and begin demo and initial framing for remodel in select locations

Read more about the June project update here

May 2025

Welcome to the May Construction Update for the Arapahoe Campus. The end of the 2024-25 school year is fast approaching, and we hope this message finds both you and your family well during this busy time of the school year! 

On the construction front, work around the campus has continued through the early spring months (primarily in the Apex (formerly Boulder TEC) area of the campus) and the transition to full summer construction is underway. This coming summer’s construction activities will be extensive and the entire campus will be closed to all students and staff. As a reminder, in this multi-phase project, construction will continue in the building and around the campus throughout the 2025-26 school year. The active construction areas will move to different locations as the project progresses until it is completed in the fall 2026. We will provide monthly updates moving forward to keep you informed of the work happening and any impact it may have on the day-to-day operations of the campus and the various programs housed there.

Below is a brief description of the work planned for the month of May:  

Apex Area, Phase I, First Floor

• Prime and paint in select areas
• Grind and polish floors throughout the area
• Install operable partitions, ceiling grid, exterior louvres and casework
• Install drop ceiling tiles
• Hang doors and install hardware
• Install teaching wall, audio enhancement and signage

Read more about the May project update here

April 2025

The 2025 Bond Project has officially begun on phase 1 of our five-phase project. Our general contractor, FCI, has fully mobilized to the site and set up construction areas in several locations. An extensive amount of work was completed over spring break, including demolition to prepare for our updated spaces. Four Arapahoe Ridge High School classes have moved to temporary classrooms, and BVSD’s Information Technology department has moved out of the building. Limited construction activity will continue in specific areas noted below over the coming weeks before once again ramping up fully after school is out in May. Below is an overview on the work that is taking place in the month of April:
Phase 1, Level 1: Previous Child Care Area:

• Complete demolition of select walls, sawcut and layout of new walls/partitions
• Complete mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP), fire sprinkler and technology rough-in
• Complete installation of partition tracks and partitions
• Complete installation of framing, backing and drywall
• Complete prime and first coat of paint
• Complete ceiling grid and ceiling tile installation
• Complete grinding and polishing of floors
• Install all casework
• Complete MEP trim and all systems connections
• Begin installation of exterior louvers

Phase 1, Level 2: Media Center and surrounding rooms:

• Complete layout of new walls, partitions and framing
• Complete electrical, fire sprinkler and technology rough-in
• Complete installation of partition tracks and partitions
• Complete installation of backing and gyp board walls
• Complete prime and first coat of paint
• Complete ceiling grid and ceiling tile installation
• Complete grinding and polishing of floors
• Install all casework
• Complete security and lighting trim along with all systems connections
• Complete final paint

Read more about the April project update here

March 2025

This month we will officially kick-off construction for our $29 million building renovation project! The improvements coming to our schools are thanks to the generous support of the entire BVSD community through passage of the 2022 BVSD Bond Referendum.  

The project will address some critical facilities needs such as HVAC, electrical and plumbing upgrades, ADA needs, and installing a fire suppression system, as well as a kitchen expansion for the Transitions building. The majority of the project involves reconfiguring spaces throughout the main building to consolidate programs and expand learning spaces to create more opportunities for hands-on, career and college readiness learning. District office space on the northeast side of the building will be renovated to create learning spaces for Boulder Universal. Arapahoe Ridge High School will take over the east wing of the second floor, which will be updated with large windows, new flooring and paint and a new commons area. New space for the Teacher Academy will also be created on the second floor, along with a counseling center. The former Early Connections area of the first floor will be renovated to house the Emergency Medical and Criminal Justice programs. The front entry will get a makeover and a new area designed to host industry partners will be created near the administration suite.  

Read more about the project update here

February 2025

Boulder Tech/Arapahoe Ridge campus construction start postcards were sent to neighbors this month. 

November 2024

Boulder Tech/Arapahoe Ridge campus project postcards were sent to neighbors this month. 

September 2024

• The project team has been meeting with school staff to understand the school's needs and develop the design.
• The design is proceeding on schedule and bidding will occur in November/December. 
• Construction for Phase 2 projects will begin in the spring/summer of 2025.

July 2024

• Boulder TEC and having centralized CTE programs is the focus of this bond project.  The design team is working to modernize our current spaces along with expanding programmatic opportunities. ARHS will also have some exciting updates including a design that will allow all of their programs to be in the same area of the building.   Updated building systems including a fully sprinkled building is our critical needs focus. 
• SD documents were issued April 12th with SD pricing returned from FCI within budget.  The team is currently vetting out the design build process for the fire sprinkler throughout the building.  
• DD package  is scheduled to be issued July 15th, with final CDs scheduled to deliver to BVSD on October 11th.  

April 2024

The design team will continue to develop plans through the summer, with construction bidding planned for late fall.

March 2024

Exciting things are happening at our school building, and we want to tell you about what’s in store for the coming months.

Thanks to the generous voters of Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), we are beginning work on a $25M building renovation project on the building that houses Arapahoe Ridge High School, Boulder Universal, and Boulder TEC. With this project, Boulder TEC will be transformed into a centralized career acceleration center for the district. The renovation project also includes much-needed repairs and upgrades to building systems and finishes, such as updating HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, installing a fire suppression system, and addressing various ADA needs. With this large-scale renovation, there will be some reconfiguration of rooms inside the building, with some learning spaces and administration areas relocating. The details of the design and specific floor plan will be developed through the design process. 

The goal of the Boulder TEC renovation is to ensure all future offerings lead to high-demand, high wage career opportunities for students. The project will build upon Boulder TEC’s strengths, while improving the learning environment and expanding career exploration opportunities. 

Boulder TEC’s administration and advisory committees have been evaluating the current programming, which includes biomedical science, automotive and collision repair, construction technology, criminal justice, emergency medical services, physical therapy, sports medicine, video production, and more. Changes are being explored to update and modernize BVSD’s offerings including the potential additions of environmental science and sustainability, health and medical, as well as quantum information science and technology. The updated facility will serve as a central hub for students who are ready to accelerate their academic careers by pursuing college credit, industry credentials and internships.

The project is currently in the early design stages. We have convened a design advisory team (DAT) of school staff, students, and parents to work with the project architect to guide the design for the renovations. Many decisions about the final design of the improvements will be determined through the discussions of the DAT. More information about the project, including the full scope of work and project updates can be found on the Boulder TEC/Arapahoe Ridge High/Boulder Universal project website.

We anticipate construction will begin spring/summer (2025). Closer to the start of construction, we will contact you with more information about what to expect. We are very excited about these changes and hope you will be too. Please direct questions about the project to Charles Zachemsky at charles.zachemsky@bvsd.org or 720-561-5954.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joan Bludorn, Arapahoe Ridge High Principal,
Dr. Arlie Huffman, Director of Career and College Connections
Eric Moroye, Boulder Universal Principal

January 2024

The project team of Cunningham Group and FCI Constructors have been selected for the project.  The project team will begin meeting with the Design Advisory Team this month.

Learn more about CTE improvements in the Bond program here. 

November 2023

The Bond project management team is working with Procurement staff to contract with architects for Phase 2 projects.  Design work is anticipated to begin in January 2024.

September 2023

The Bond project management team will be working with our Procurement staff this month and next to contract with architects for Phase 2 projects. 

January 2023

This month, the new CTE Steering Committee met for the first time. In the coming months the group will work with architects from DLR Group to develop a master plan to guide the district-wide CTE improvements funded in the 2022 capital improvement program. Moving forward, the group will work to identify and collect key data that will help inform this project, such as industry needs/future career openings, community & student interest and current CTE programming options. This work will build upon recommendations from the Career Discovery and Postsecondary Readiness Committee that concluded last spring. The goals of the committee were to explore programming opportunities and current barriers and propose next steps to expanding CTE in Boulder Valley School District.