Sierra Sands Celebrates 50 Years, Introduces Visionary R3 Initiative 

The Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD) in Ridgecrest is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and has its sights set on an ambitious district improvement project. Coined “R3” — which stands for Rebound, Rebuild, Reimagine — the initiative is designed to ensure students have access to modern, safe school environments, as well as looking to the future and reshaping the landscape for a thriving community.

SSUSD has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the devastating effects of the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake, which rocked the region and damaged several school sites in the district. The event damaged not only the district’s facilities but also the academic progress of its students.

“We had a school condemned as a result. That school is currently being built and almost finished,” said Superintendent Dr. April Moore. “We believe we need safe, quality learning environments for all our students.”

In the wake of the earthquake, Sierra Sands was among the many districts hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Moore said that, just like all schools, they suffered some learning loss, but thanks to the tireless work of school employees and a robust intervention model, schools are already seeing a return to positive numbers.

“Academically, we’re just doing a lot of rebounding,” Dr. Moore said. “Thankfully, our staff stayed the course. We’ve been supporting students and are already seeing the gains.”

A main component of the R3 initiative is the district’s commitment to modernizing and expanding its aging infrastructure. Some school buildings are over 70 years old and desperately need repair. The SSUSD Board of Trustees has placed a classroom repairs and safety measure on the November 5 ballot, which, if passed, would provide $42 million in bonds to address critical infrastructure needs.

The district’s school bond measure includes funding for numerous school modernization projects.

The district sent out several community surveys, asking locals a variety of questions about their needs. Respondents ranked rebuilding the infrastructure and maintaining quality facilities among their top priorities. Dr. Moore said the community’s support and contribution to the discussion were vital in proposing the bond measure.

“We did a massive community outreach campaign, and the community really responded, helping us prioritize. It confirmed that our facilities and their upkeep are a priority right now,” she said. We felt encouraged to put that on the ballot for our voters to decide, and that will be a part of the reorganization.”

The proposed ballot measure would enable the district to fix or replace leaky roofs, doors, and windows, upgrade plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, and ensure that all schools are prepared for earthquakes.

The Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a large military installation that supports research and development programs for the US Navy, is stationed near SSUSD. Because of the proximity to the naval base, the district is poised to qualify for over $100 million in funds from the Department of Defense. This funding would be used to build a new elementary school.

“Our need and eligibility for these funds are so high that we are currently at the top of the list,” Dr. Moore explained. “But we need to come up with 20 percent of the cost.”

The Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a large military installation that supports research and development programs for the US Navy, is stationed near SSUSD.

The R3 initiative is not just about physical infrastructure — it is also about reimagining the educational experience for students. As part of a district-wide reorganization scheduled for Fall 2025, SSUSD will launch two magnet schools and an independent study school, offering new educational pathways for students.

The district will convert one of its elementary schools into a magnet, focusing on Visual and Performing Arts, serving students from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through sixth grade. The district will reopen a previously closed school as a TK-8 STEM Academy, reflecting the community’s strong support for both STEM education and the arts.

“Part of the magnet initiative is to provide choice and opportunity for our families,” Dr. Moore said. “The survey from our community was overwhelmingly supportive. We found that the response was so strong that both schools are viable.”

In addition to these magnet schools, the district will introduce an independent study school at the secondary level, offering an alternative educational model that allows students to earn college credits while completing their high school education. This program, in partnership with Cerro Coso Community College, will enable students to earn up to two years of college credits by the time they graduate high school.

SSUSD is also dedicated to attracting and retaining high-quality staff. The district says modern, well-maintained facilities help foster a professional and empowering environment for both students and staff, which was another priority outlined by the public in their various community outreach surveys.

“If we update, upgrade, and build new, we believe that will help us attract and retain qualified staff,” Dr. Moore said.

The district is also launching its “Portrait of a Graduate” program, outlining the essential qualities SSUSD aims to cultivate in its students. These include communication, collaboration, creative and critical thinking, ethical and global citizenship, and resilience. This educational approach will help prepare students for academic success and a successful life in an ever-changing world.

“It’s going to prepare them even more for their future and for working in the 21st Century,” Dr. Moore said.

As SSUSD celebrates its 50th anniversary, the district is not just reflecting on its rich history but also looking forward to the next 50 years.

“One of the words that continues to come forward is innovation,” Dr. Moore said. “We have an amazing partnership with all the researchers [at the Navy base] so I see a future of innovation, and a future of forward-thinking leaders coming out of the school district.”