The Fillmore Unified School District submitted applications in October 2017 for the Career Technology Facilities Project Grant, a competitive state grant, in both the Agriscience/Agricultural Mechanics and Transportation (i.e. automotive) pathways. The completed applications had to meet a minimum score and would be compared to applications received statewide. The applications submitted by Fillmore USD were for new construction and could result in a 50/50 matching grant of up to $3 million in state resources for each pathway. The District received confirmation this spring that the Transportation pathway application met the requirements for consideration for funding and would proceed forward; however, the District would need to reapply for the Agriscience/Agricultural Mechanics pathway.

The State Allocation Board (SAB) convened this afternoon, and the Fillmore Unified Transportation pathway is one of the 73 applications approved for a reservation of funds. Fillmore Unified is the only Ventura County school district with an application approved by the SAB. District Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos shared, “the SAB action this afternoon cemented the direction established by our Fillmore Unified Governing Board to construct a new career technical education facility on the Fillmore High School campus. Thanks to our generous community, we have Measure V, the $35 million school bond passed in November 2016. Funds from Measure V will be used for the 50/50 matching grant of $3 million from the state of California. Fillmore Unified has the ability to realize the dream of creating the facility that our students deserve. Staff is currently working to ensure that a new application for Agriscience/Agricultural Mechanics is submitted during the next application window in fall 2018.”

Fillmore Unified is working with the professional architectural firm WestGroup Designs on the new Fillmore High School career technical education facility. District staff (including teachers and administrators), students, parents, industry experts, and advisory groups have provided necessary input on the design of the new facility. District staff and WestGroup Designs are working diligently to ensure that construction of the new facility begins in the next 12 months.