Update
September 6, 2025 – The update is as follows: plans for the track are currently under review by the Division of School Architects (DSA). Once approved, the district can go out to bid. This bidding process can take up to 2 - 2 1/2 months.
History
* Discussion regarding installation of tracked began in 2021. VPE parents at the time received a voting link requesting their input on school improvements. When all the votes were tallied, installing a new track at VPE was the improvement that won. This chosen improvement was brought to and voted on in a H&SL General meeting. The district was then involved and OUSD
approved the contractor and the bid.
* The district is now managing the installation of the track. The installation of the track was strategically bundled with a portable classroom project (i.e., adding another portable for CARES) to achieve economy- of scale savings. Unfortunately, the portable classroom project has experienced delays, which affected the overall timeline.
* H&SL gave a check to OUSD on June 6, 2024 for $151,550.
Benefits of a Track
* Bobcat Run is our biggest fundraiser. Each year there is concern about rain and mud on the field which would result in postpone/rescheduling the Bobcat run. If VPE had a track, we would not have we would no longer have this concern/stressor. Additionally, the Canadian Geese like to eat the grass on the field and they leave a mess.
* Per Principal Arceo, other benefits of the track include: the “Running Club” after school program, 5th graders would utilize the track to train for the Presidential Fitness Test, and lastly it would benefit “walk and talk” which is a before school daily activity.
Discussions
* Parents have expressed in the past (Nov 2023 H&SL General Meeting) that they would like to use H&SL funds designated for the track to instead to hire teachers, address curriculum, or build a science lab. It was explained at that meeting but should be reiterated that the H&SL cannot do that. H&SL is a PTA and there are limitations on what it can spend funds on. Finalizing curriculum, hiring of staff, maintaining school grounds and/or building new facilities or buildings can only be approved and completed by and through OUSD.
* The H&SL understands the concerns and frustrations that have been expressed by families. H&SL must work with the district to complete this project and that could be very challenging. At this time, it is out of H&SL’s control and we must wait for the district to complete the final steps of the process. The H&SL will email the district monthly to get updates regarding
progress has been made and she will report back at the H&SL General monthly meetings.
* H&SL wants to thank everyone for their understanding and patience as we wait for updates
from the district.
Moving forward
* It is suggested that parents with concerns regarding how long it is taking to complete the process of building the track to reach out to School Board Trustees and Administration at the district to advocate for VPE, their students and share their frustration about the delays on the track.
* Budget – Each year, the H&SL continues to put funds into track maintenance for whenever it is installed. See the Track budget line on 2025-2026 H&SL budget
* Moving forward, the H&SL board and Principal Arceo have discussed what new items we can fundraise for so we can continue to support teachers, staff and students. Fundraising for a new LED marquee was discussed at the 9/26/25 general meeting.
Track Update