Panama-Buena Vista Union School District ’s complete modernization of Panama Elementary School was scheduled in three phases of construction. 

Phase I incorporated preconstruction and new construction services of five new classroom buildings, adjacent areas and new concrete walkways.  Phase II included the demolition and retrofit of existing buildings, removal of concrete walkways for upgrade of ADA compliant concrete, paving, AC paving and stripping as required.  Security upgrades include new fencing, surveillance cameras, new alarm system and intercom.  Phase III of the project will consist of upgrades to the existing parking lot and playground.  

The 65,000 sf modernization of Panama Elementary is the school’s first facelift since its opening in 1939.  Built in the shadows of World War II, the original K-8 school served a few hundred students in what was considered a rural farming community in southwest Bakersfield.  As Bakersfield has grown over the years and the area around the school developed, Panama Elementary  School now serves around 843 K-6 students. 

Panama Elementary School is considered very historic and the District desired to retain the school’s historical characteristics.  The complete modernization of Panama Elementary was designed to match the architectural era of the late 1930’s.