On Feb. 6, Pajaro Middle School received the Award of Merit for Emergency Disaster Preparedness from the American Public Works Association, Monterey Bay Chapter, recognizing the exceptional efforts to restore the school after damage caused by floods in March 2023.
Herlindo Fernandez, Pajaro Valley Unified School District director of maintenance and operations, and Sergio Ambriz, assistant director, received the award.
Also in attendance: Dr. Heather Contreras, superintendent, Olivia Flores, PVUSD board president, Jenny Im, chief business officer, and Andrea Willy, impact and resource development officer.
The project began in early February 2024 and focused on the comprehensive restoration and enhancement of Pajaro Middle School’s facilities, flooded when the Pajaro River breached its levee.
The initiative ensured that students returned to a revitalized campus six months later for the start of the 2024-2025 school year in August 2024.
“We are thrilled to receive the Award of Merit from the APWA,” said Contreras. “This recognition underscores the urgency placed on the project and our commitment to providing an inspiring learning environment for our students.”
The APWA Monterey Bay Chapter is an integral part of the larger APWA network in the public works industry.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Pajaro community, students, families and staff, for their care and support throughout this project,” added Fernandez. “Their collaboration has been instrumental in our efforts to enhance educational facilities and promote student success.”
For more information see www.pvusd.net.