Wold’s team of architects and engineers creates spaces that serve students, staff and the broader community. For Berkeley School District 87, reimagining its facilities went beyond physical upgrades – it became a catalyst to enrich the student experience and strengthen community connections for years to come.
Berkeley School District had already taken bold steps before embarking on its facility improvements. Based on its strategic plan, the district shifted from traditional neighborhood schools to grade-level centers, reorganizing into K-2, 3-5 and 6-8 configurations. While some parents were initially hesitant to move away from neighborhood schools, the transition ultimately improved collaboration, equity and academic opportunity across the district. The successful reorganization built trust and laid the foundation for future investments in the district’s vision.
Recognizing that its facilities needed to match its academic aspirations, the district sought funding for significant upgrades through a $105 million referendum. The ask was ambitious, particularly in a community with limited resources, but the district’s transparency and deep engagement efforts helped earn overwhelming support.
Wold’s strong credibility and trust built during previous projects with the Berkeley School District, particularly with then-Superintendent Dr. Terri Bresnahan, led to another great partnership. Before launching major projects, Wold completed comprehensive educational adequacy and facilities assessments. These evaluations identified disparities between buildings and highlighted areas where physical conditions were limiting educational delivery, creating a clear, fact-based case for change.
“Wold’s team helped us translate our district’s strategic goals into a tangible vision that the community could rally behind,” said Dr. Terri Bresnahan, former Superintendent of Berkeley School District 87. “Their collaborative approach allowed our families and staff to feel genuinely heard throughout the process.”
Beyond the assessments, Wold’s expertise in long-range planning helped the district develop detailed design criteria and guiding principles rooted in Berkeley’s strategic plan and mission to prepare students as lifelong learners.
A 30-member long-range planning committee, made up of faculty, parents and students, played a critical role in the process. Rather than Wold making decisions, the committee analyzed assessment data, prioritized needs and created the vision that would guide the referendum and design process. Wold facilitated these discussions, ensuring that all voices were heard and that recommendations remained aligned with the district’s long-term goals.
With Wold’s support, the planning committee presented the community with three options:
Though initial surveys suggested moderate support, community momentum built around the most transformative vision. The referendum proposed an addition and renovations at Riley Northlake Intermediate School, as well as rebuilding the Sunnyside Intermediate School and MacArthur Middle School campus. Thanks to strong grassroots support from parents and community members, the $105 million referendum passed with a two-thirds majority, far surpassing initial polling projections.
Berkeley’s updated facilities are a direct reflection of the district’s commitment to inclusivity and lifelong learning. The new designs feature adaptable classrooms, collaborative learning studios, flexible spaces and building-wide engineering upgrades to address site-specific challenges. These spaces were informed by extensive input from students and faculty to ensure the final result served real day-to-day needs.
Most notably, the district prioritized engaging a diverse group of stakeholders throughout the planning process, which helped shape the designs and guide broader community conversations. This inclusive approach helped unify the community behind a common mission and ensured that the new spaces would meet the needs of every student, teacher and family.
“One of the most powerful outcomes of this process was how it unified our community around a shared vision,” said Dr. Dan Sullivan, current Superintendent of Berkeley School District 87. “The focus on inclusivity and long-term student success helped build trust that will carry forward for years to come.”
Berkeley School District 87’s transformation is a testament to the power of collaboration, transparency and a clear, student-centered vision. The district’s new learning environments fulfill its strategic plan and will shape opportunities for students and families for generations to come.
By fostering trust, engaging diverse perspectives and designing spaces that meet both educational and emotional needs, Wold helped create a lasting legacy for Berkeley’s communities.
Could your district benefit from new learning environments that reflect your community’s values? Contact Wold’s education team to learn how we can help create spaces that inspire, connect and transform.
